The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) recently welcomed the Global Auxiliary of Companies’ (Global Aux) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Mika’il Ali Kote, to the Coega Special Economic Zone. The visit aimed to advance co-project development and technical advisory cooperation for Nigeria’s Gulu Integrated Agro-processing Industrial Park (GIAIP), under the umbrella of the Coega Africa Programme (CAP).
Building on the momentum of the South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town on 28 November 2024, which aimed to enhance bilateral relations, Mr. Mika’il Ali Kote, CEO of Global Aux, expressed his enthusiasm about his visit to Coega.
“I have been anticipating this visit and engagement with Coega for a while. We are here to advance our initial partnership discussions relating to the Gulu Industrial Park and other developments in proximity to and into northern Nigeria. The ultimate objective is to replicate what Coega SEZ has achieved, but in Nigeria,” said Ali Kote.
Mr. Idriss Mouchili, CAP Director, emphasised the need for concrete action steps to advance the project in line with CAP’s mission to intensify business outreach efforts outside of South Africa. These steps include a site visit to assess project scope and feasibility, the formalisation of a Project Development and Management Agreement, the development of a comprehensive Project Master Plan, and the exploration of potential funding sources and requirements, to name a few.
Coega currently has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Global Aux, complemented by a Technical Partnership and Co-development Agreement. A Project Development and Management Agreement is anticipated in the near future.
Dr. Siyabonga Simayi, Coega’s Programme Director of Client Solutions, welcomed the partnership between Coega and Global Aux.
“As countries seek to enhance their competitiveness, the establishment of special economic zones and industrial parks has emerged as a key strategic tool for attracting sustainable investment and fostering economic development. Recently, Coega attended an SEZ conference in Kenya, where the importance of collaboration between African companies was emphasised.
We welcome this collaboration with Global Aux, and we are excited to engage with likeminded entities to improve continental integration,” said Simayi.
In conclusion, Coega is open to collaborating with African nations to address trade and investment challenges and create a conducive environment for business growth.
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