The recognition of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) as South Africa’s Best Newcomer SEZ Operator and the OR Tambo International Airport SEZ as the country’s Most Improved SEZ Operator at the 2026 SEZ Achievement Awards is validation that Gauteng has become South Africa’s leading industrial investment destination and a benchmark for Special Economic Zone excellence.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically designated areas established to attract investment, stimulate industrialisation, increase exports and create jobs through world-class infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes and targeted incentives. In South Africa, they are central to the country’s industrial policy and economic growth strategy, helping to position local industries within regional and global value chains.
The OR Tambo International Airport SEZ, has demonstrated that continuous improvement is often the strongest measure of institutional excellence. Strategically located next to Africa’s busiest airport, the SEZ serves as a gateway linking local manufacturers to global markets. Its success has been driven by stronger governance, improved investor facilitation, faster turnaround times and deeper collaboration across Gauteng’s industrial ecosystem.
The SEZ’s Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct remains a flagship example of beneficiation in action, transforming locally mined gold and platinum into high-value export products. By moving beyond the export of raw materials, the OR Tambo SEZ supports South Africa’s industrialisation agenda while strengthening participation in global trade.
Its focus sectors, which include jewellery, pharmaceuticals and aerospace, are supported by competitive incentives designed to attract foreign direct investment and position Gauteng as a globally connected manufacturing hub.
Established to support the expansion of automotive manufacturing, TASEZ has quickly become one of South Africa’s flagship industrial development projects. In a few years, it has attracted significant investment, created thousands of employment opportunities, strengthened local supplier development and advanced critical skills within the automotive value chain.
Its growth demonstrates how focused industrial infrastructure, partnership between government and business, and localisation strategies can translate into measurable economic outcomes.
The endorsement from global manufacturer Ford South Africa further underscores TASEZ’s value. The company has highlighted the SEZ’s contribution to shorter supply chains, improved quality control and more efficient just-in-time manufacturing, all critical factors in competing for future international investment. TASEZ has effectively shown how a modern SEZ can enhance competitiveness not only for South Africa, but also within global manufacturing networks.
Gauteng is shaping South Africa’s industrial future. With OR Tambo SEZ and TASEZ now recognised as national leaders, Gauteng has firmly established itself as the province setting the benchmark for industrial excellence, investment competitiveness and inclusive economic growth.
Establish industrial operations in Gauteng
If you are interested in establishing or expanding operations in Gauteng, South Africa’s central economic region, contact the investment facilitation team today:
Read more:
- Automotive industry development: an opportunity for African expansion
- Highly strategic location: secure space in new precinct development
