Dr Sid Boubekeur managed European Commission programmes in Africa, in support of governments and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) through the development of trade and investment projects that generate income and contribute to employment creation, especially for women and youth. He designed and implemented trade and investment policies and strategies, organized public and private dialogues and lead negotiations with government and international development agencies for implementing the business reforms related to attracting Foreign Direct Investment. He led successful SME and start-ups projects combining credit with technical assistance that upgrade their capacity in management, finance, operations, quality of products, marketing, branding and export. In collaboration with Africa Union Commission (AUC), the Association of Economic Zone Organisation (AEZO) and AfCFTA Policy Network (APN), Dr. Sid Boubekeur lead a study aiming to formulate policy recommendations on how Special Economic Zones in Africa could contribute to SME integration and local economic development.