Exploring Special Economic Zones’ influence on regional competitiveness in the Harare Metropolitan Region

Abstract

Regional competitiveness is an essential driver of sub-national economic growth, employment creation, and improvements in the quality of life. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are widely promoted as instruments to enhance regional competitiveness. This study examines the effects of the Sunway City SEZ on the competitiveness of the Harare Metropolitan Region. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 companies located within and adjacent to the SEZs, as well as eight key informants and opinion leaders in Harare. Findings reveal that while the SEZ provided a comparatively more favourable business climate, broader regional competitiveness was undermined by the depressed macroeconomic and business environment, policy inconsistencies, weak stakeholder coordination, and inadequate infrastructure. Although the establishment of a SEZ Working Group and One-Stop-Shop facility demonstrated a pro-investment measure for Sunway City SEZ, its effectiveness was constrained by poor stakeholder coordination and weak policy implementation. The study recommends enhancing policy clarity and robust implementation, strengthening institutional frameworks and investing in critical infrastructure to promote regional competitiveness in the Harare Metropolitan Region. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how SEZs can support or constrain regional competitiveness in the African city regions.