ARISE IIP Secures $443m Investment to Fuel Africa’s Industrial Transformation
Africa is on the brink of transformative growth, especially with the latest funding secured by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a major pan-African developer of industrial parks.
Through a US$443 million capital raise backed by the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), ARISE IIP is set to accelerate its mission to catalyse industrialisation across the continent, unlocking new economic potential and positioning Africa as a force in global value chains.
A New Chapter of African Industrialisation
The industrial landscape of Africa is witnessing unprecedented change, and ARISE IIP stands at the forefront of this revolution. ARISE IIP has secured a robust US$443 million in new capital, significantly strengthening its capacity to expand and optimise operations across its twelve-country portfolio. FEDA, the impact investment subsidiary of Afreximbank, has committed a whopping US$300 million to the project, securing a notable stake in ARISE IIP, while AFC’s US$143 million contribution reflects a continued partnership spanning over a decade.
This massive injection of funds pushes ARISE IIP’s total equity capital to over US$1 billion, with AFC holding the majority share. Notably, ARISE IIP has developed a strong bond with Afreximbank over 12 years, leveraging about US$2 billion in debt to power projects from Gabon to Malawi.
Driving Africa’s Place in Global Value Chains
For Africa, this partnership isn’t just a boost in numbers—it’s a strategic alignment that positions the continent to capture a more substantial role in global value chains. The capital is geared toward expanding ARISE IIP’s industrial footprint across markets such as Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria, and beyond. With the continent’s resource-rich lands and a rapidly growing workforce, Africa’s potential as a manufacturing and processing hub has never been clearer.
In a statement about the partnership, Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, emphasised the importance of this equity investment, saying: “This equity partnership with Afreximbank significantly enhances our financial capacity to execute our pan-African industrial development strategy. It’s a strong vote of confidence in our business model and growth prospects.”
By building high-impact infrastructure, ARISE IIP aims to foster economic diversification, boost the production of value-added goods, and fuel the kind of sustainable growth that will position Africa competitively in global trade networks.
Aligning with Afreximbank’s Vision of a Connected, Industrial Africa
Afreximbank has long championed initiatives that drive intra-African trade and foster industrialisation, positioning itself as a linchpin in the continent’s economic integration. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) serving as a vehicle for unprecedented trade flows, Afreximbank is pushing for a more connected, industrialised Africa, aligning perfectly with ARISE IIP’s objectives.
Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, expressed the synergy: “We are very pleased with our latest investment in ARISE IIP which is aligned with Afreximbank’s strategic pillars of promoting intra-African Trade and facilitating industrialisation and export development across Africa. The capital boost will arm ARISE IIP with the financial muscle needed to drive Africa’s industrialisation, promote intra and extra-African trade, job creation and the general economic growth of our continent.”
Afreximbank’s mission isn’t solely about finance; it’s about creating pathways for Africa to emerge as a leader in value-added production and a player in global markets.
Infrastructure Development with a Purpose
Since its founding in 2007, AFC has served as a cornerstone for infrastructure development in Africa, funnelling over US$13 billion into essential projects across 43 member countries. AFC’s investment approach is designed to address Africa’s infrastructure needs through strategic partnerships, combining technical advisory with financial expertise to de-risk complex projects. Its long-standing relationship with ARISE IIP is a testament to AFC’s commitment to supporting industrialisation across Africa.
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, expressed gratitude towards the board and management, saying: “Our journey towards capturing greater value within the continent, by converting raw materials into intermediate and finished goods, has already shown significant progress in three countries, with an expanding pipeline of projects in ten more. This success reinforces our commitment to further support and invest in this important initiative, including our latest equity investment of $143 million.”
AFC’s involvement reflects the growing confidence in Africa’s industrial potential, focusing on converting raw materials into value-added products and driving sustainable growth.
A Platform Built on Sustainability and Value Creation
Beyond industrialisation, ARISE IIP’s work is also a story of environmental responsibility. The company has committed to green growth by implementing infrastructure that aligns with climate-neutral goals. Its vision is rooted in building sustainable, high-impact industrial parks across Africa, setting the stage for a future in which industrial growth doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, highlighted this commitment: “Our investment in ARISE IIP is a critical step towards fostering sustainable industrial growth across Africa. By supporting the development of high-impact industrial infrastructure, we are helping to create an environment that will drive economic diversification, boost value-added production, and position Africa as a key player in global trade.”
ARISE IIP’s model is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about establishing a foundation for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways from the Partnership
This US$443 million investment in ARISE IIP is set to be a catalyst for substantial change across Africa. Here’s a quick rundown of the implications of this landmark capital raise:
- Enhanced Financial Backing: With FEDA’s significant stake, ARISE IIP gains the financial momentum to scale its operations across twelve countries, deepening its impact in Africa’s industrialisation landscape.
- Alignment with AfCFTA Goals: The investment aligns with AfCFTA’s goals, promoting intra-African trade and regional economic integration.
- Focus on Value-Added Production: By supporting projects that focus on converting raw materials into finished goods, AFC and FEDA are helping Africa capture a larger share of the global value chain.
- Sustainable Growth: ARISE IIP’s commitment to green infrastructure sets it apart, aligning with global goals for climate-neutral development.
Bright Prospects for Africa’s Industrial Future
This capital raise isn’t just another financial transaction; it’s a monumental step forward for Africa. As ARISE IIP, FEDA, and AFC forge ahead with their shared vision of industrial and economic empowerment, Africa is poised to benefit immensely. By focusing on high-impact infrastructure, sustainability, and trade, the continent has a real chance to shift its role on the global stage—transforming from a supplier of raw materials into a powerhouse of value-added production.
With FEDA, Afreximbank, and AFC’s unwavering support, ARISE IIP is more than prepared to meet the challenges ahead and to continue building Africa’s future.
