Countries are increasingly competing to attract investment in strategic sectors that strengthen their position in regional and global value chains. Success requires far more than marketing or promotion. It requires deep sector expertise, compelling investment propositions, strong partnerships across government and industry, vibrant innovation ecosystems, targeted investor outreach, effective investment facilitation and sustained support to investors throughout the investment lifecycle.
Recognising that strategic sector development is a whole-of-government endeavour, involving ministries, economic development agencies, regulators, subnational governments, municipal authorities, industrial park developers, research institutions, universities, innovation ecosystems and the private sector, this award specifically recognises the distinctive contribution of the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) in positioning, promoting and facilitating investment in a strategic sector.
The WAIPA Strategic Sector Development Award recognises Investment Promotion Agencies that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in developing sector expertise, building strategic partnerships, coordinating stakeholders, targeting investors, facilitating investment projects and contributing to the growth of competitive investment ecosystems that generate measurable investment outcomes.
The award recognises the leadership, coordination and value added by the IPA, while acknowledging that many aspects of sector development are undertaken collaboratively with other public and private sector institutions.
Submission deadline: 24 September 2026