DEVAC SEZs – IDZs – Economic Zones Summit

The summit facilitates collaboration between government bodies and private sector participants, enabling them to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies. This collective approach fosters an environment conducive to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities present in the African context.

Strategic Focus:

By concentrating on SEZs and IDZs, the summit aims to highlight their potential as catalysts for economic growth. These zones are designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), create jobs, and stimulate local industries. The summit encourages discussions on how to leverage these areas effectively for maximum impact.

Capacity Building:

One of the key objectives of the summit is to enhance the capabilities of stakeholders involved in economic zones. Through workshops, business matchmakings, and expert-led discussions, participants can gain valuable knowledge on best practices in governance, infrastructure development, and investment strategies.

Policy Advocacy:

The summit advocates for sound governance and regulatory frameworks that support the establishment and functioning of SEZs and IDZs. It encourages policymakers to create a favorable environment that attracts investment while ensuring sustainability and community engagement.

Infrastructure Development:

Acknowledging that robust infrastructure is vital for the success of economic zones, the summit emphasizes the need for investment in transportation, utilities, and logistics. By addressing infrastructure gaps, stakeholders can enhance the competitiveness of these zones.

Advisory
Board 2025

Tshepo Kgobe

CEO
Gautrain Management Agency (GMA)

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe is a multidisciplinary engineer with more than 22 years of extensive experience in managing complex projects and operations with diverse technical requirements in infrastructure, energy and mining; predominantly in the railway environment...

Nangamso Matebese

Special Advisor to the Deputy President of South Africa
Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

Having started her career at the PIC, in 2005, Nangamso Maponya is an Investment Banking and Project Finance Professional at the DBSA, responsible for infrastructure projects within the Transport, Logistics and Water sectors. She has also participated in project financing and monitoring of projects...

Vishaal Lutchman

Group Chief Executive Officer
GIBB

With over 27 years of leadership and management experience in infrastructure-related businesses, Lutchman brings a wealth of expertise to steer GIBB towards its ambitious goals. His primary focus as Group CEO will be to accelerate business growth, double net profit over the next five years, strengthen GIBB’s footprint across Africa, enhance talent development, and foster a high-performance culture...

Muzi Shange

Chief Operations Officer
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ)

A seasoned professional who has extensive experience in both public and private sector. His interests and knowledge extend to energy and water infrastructure, economic development, geomatics, and environmental sustainability.

Thobekile Gambu

Environmental Scientist
UMngeni-uThukela Water

Thobekile Gambu is an Environmental Scientist and International speaker, Enlit Africa Municipal Forum Advisory Board Committee Member, Green Building Council Task Force member, Women Economic Assembly KZN Energy Sector Lead (an initiative by The Presidency), Vice President of the South African Youth Parliament for Water...

Jackwell Feris

Director | Head: Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade Sector
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH)

Jackwell Feris is a Director and the Sector Head: Industrials, Manufacturing & Trade. He has extensive experience in the Oil & Gas, Mining & Minerals, Energy & Power, Infrastructure & Transport, Government & State-Owned Sectors acting as counsel for governments..

Justice Ngwenya

Chief Director: Infrastructure
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Speaker Biography

Stieneke Jensma

COO: Industrial Zones Programme (IZP)
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
South Africa

Regina Naicker

Founder & CEO
RegiNexus

Regina is a seasoned business and supply chain professional with over 22 years of experience in driving operational excellence, strategic transformation, and sustainable growth. Her journey has been defined by a passion for innovation, collaboration, and integrity — values that underpin everything I do as a leader and mentor...

Anne Gabathuse

Executive Manager: Business Development and Commercialisation
Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)