Overview

Project Nzou — Integrated Air Logistics Gateway & SEZ

Focus area

Transportation & Aviation Logistics; Special Economic Zones & Industrial Infrastructure; Public-Private Partnerships

Location

SADC

Nzou

Project Nzou is Kujenga’s flagship development transaction currently in active structuring — a large-scale integrated cargo airport upgrade, logistics platform, and Special Economic Zone targeting a key Southern African market.

Overview

The project transforms an underutilised regional airport into a 21st-century cargo and trade gateway — purpose-built for mineral exports, agricultural logistics, e-commerce freight, and general cargo, with an integrated SEZ providing industrial cluster capability alongside the airside operations.

Scale & Scope

  • Full airside infrastructure development including runway extension, cargo terminals, MRO facilities, and air navigation systems.
  • Integrated Special Economic Zone with bonded warehousing, industrial manufacturing, and commercial facilities.
  • Multi-modal logistics connectivity — road, rail, and air integration.
  • Phased private equity-funded development programme — no public debt requirement on the host government.
  • Estimated investment: EUR 350–450 million (Phase 1), with further capital deployment in subsequent phases.

Structure
The transaction is being structured as a public-private partnership under a DBOO (Design-Build-Own-Operate) model, with a Special Purpose Vehicle established for the airport and SEZ operations. Government contributions are limited to land allocation and enabling infrastructure — all development capital is privately funded.

Strategic Significance
The project is designed to position the host market as a regional hub for Southern African trade — capturing mineral export flows, agricultural logistics, and e-commerce freight while providing a critical second runway capacity for regional aviation. The SEZ component is structured to attract anchor manufacturing and logistics tenants, supported by streamlined customs and investment incentives under the host country’s FDI framework.

Project Nzou is currently in active structuring. Location and counterparty details are not disclosed at this stage. Full information is available to qualified investors and institutional counterparties under NDA.