Special Economic Zones in the OIC Region:
Learning from Experience
171
Examples from OIC Member Countries
Nigeria – Lekki Free Zone
The Lekki Free Zone has attracted significant investment through a partnership between the
Nigerian and Chinese governments. There has been significant involvement of the private sector,
particularly Chinese investors, in the development and operation of the zone.
6.3 Key Economic Success Factors
6.3.1 Selection of Sectors and Activities
The correct choice of SEZ target industry-sectors is important to ensure that the comparative
advantages of the country, region or site are fully utilised and that the key challenges and risks
have been considered. This includes consideration of advantages such as labour force, skills and
training levels, proximity and capacity of input suppliers and preferential market access. A key
component of this is the identification and selection of the most appropriate sectors based on a
robust economic understanding of:
 Economic policy objectives;
 Existing competitive advantages; and
 Activities which would add most value in the context of the vision and rationale for the
SEZ development.
The selection of sectors should be based on a robust feasibility study undertaken through a data
driven methodology such as illustrated below. The sector selection framework should be
developed in line with national economic priorities and strategies.