Cognizant of its specialized knowledge, UNIDO is committed to strengthening the development of inclusive and sustainable industrial parks in developing countries and middle-income economies. In this regard, some of the highlighted projects are listed below:

Ethiopia: Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks

UNIDO supports the government of Ethiopia in the development of Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIP) in Ethiopia. IAIPs represent one of the main mechanisms to support of Ethiopia’s agricultural production transformation from being fragmented and supply-driven to becoming organized, safe, and demand-led and quality oriented.

In 2009, UNIDO and FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia, developed an agro-industry sector strategy in Ethiopia. Since then UNIDO has implemented projects supporting the detailed engineering design of four industrial parks and capacity building of the government agency tasked for the development and management of IAIPs. The objectives of IAIPs are to: (a) drive the structural transformation of the Ethiopian economy; (b) to reduce rural poverty; and (c) to create a better environment for increased investment in agro-food and allied sectors.

The projects are implemented within the broader framework of the Programme for County Partnership (PCP) Ethiopia, a partnership business model that mobilizes external partners and resources to increase the impact of UNIDO’s technical cooperation. The PCP is closely aligned with the Government of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan and the Industrial Development Strategy.

Further information about PCP Ethiopia is available here.

Peru Industrial Parks

The Programme for Country Partnership Peru aims to boost the productive capacity and ensure the economic, social and environmental sustainability of industrial parks, by integrating the delivery of technical assistance with support to the development and implementation of policies and regulations. UNIDO’s dual approach focuses on the development of new industrial parks, on the one hand, and the transformation of existing industrial zones on the other; integrating best available techniques and technologies in the construction, operation and management of industrial parks. Resource efficiency methods and industrial symbiosis (material and energy exchange) will be applied, with the aim of optimizing costs, mitigating environmental impacts and expanding green business models and reducing waste generation.

Further information about PCP Peru is available here.

Senegal Integrated Industrial Parks

Under the Programme for Country Partnership Senegal, both existing and new industrial parks are operationalized through fully-fledged institutional capacity-building and integrated management and promotion support for national structures. The development of industrial parks is supported through the provision of feasibility studies, management and governance modalities, and promotion strategies as well as an additional upgrading Programme for National and Local structures.

The government in 2017 adopted the new reform on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the related incentive package. In addition, the operationalization of SEZ governance was initiated. UNIDO supported the government through the drafting of two laws and related decrees, as well as advisory support for the drafting of agreements between APIX and the Agency for Management and Promotion of Industrial Sites (APROSI) and the respective administrations (customs, labour, environment, tax, etc.) for the establishment of the one-stop-shop in Diamniadio.

The industrial parks of Diamniadio, Sandiara and Diass were granted SEZ status by the government.

The industrial park Diamniadio represents a substantial flagship industrial project. The main aim is to establish a one-stop service center to provide maintenance, logistic, security, and equipment services. In this context, UNIDO’s technical assistance included the provision of advisory services for the development and management of Diamniadio through the development of its business model and investment incentive package, the finalization of legal aspects related to the management and administration of the park, among others. The park is already operational with seven companies from various countries, including China, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Senegal and Tunisia.

A recent report on SEZs by the government indicates the possible future development of eight SEZs in Senegal, including industrial parks, a regional mining hub and tourist zones. UNIDO also supported the SEZs through investment promotion, including investors’ visits to the parks.

Further information about PCP Senegal is available here.

Nigeria

UNIDO supports Nigeria establish industrial parks as manufacturing hubs and growth corridors, which attract foreign direct investment by creating the obverse of factors that cripple industrialization. UNIDO provides technical assistance services by supporting Nigeria to conduct feasibility studies containing all necessary parameters for decision making by investors. The organization’s support also includes development of master plans for the establishment of investment parks.