ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a prominent developer and operator of industrial parks in Africa, has successfully secured $443 million in fresh capital to support its expansion initiatives across the continent. The bulk of this new funding comes from a substantial $300 million investment by The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the developmental branch of Afreximbank.
This investment grants FEDA a considerable ownership interest in ARISE IIP, establishing a key strategic alliance between the two organizations. In addition to FEDA’s contribution, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a principal shareholder in ARISE IIP, has bolstered the capital raise with a $143 million investment.
This latest influx of capital continues a history of financial collaboration between ARISE IIP and Afreximbank, which has seen the latter provide over $2 billion in debt financing for ARISE IIP’s various projects throughout Africa over the last 12 years. Following this round of investment, ARISE IIP’s total equity capital has now surpassed the $1 billion mark.
AFC maintains its position as the majority stakeholder in ARISE IIP, with FEDA and Equitane following as significant shareholders. The newly raised funds are earmarked to propel ARISE IIP’s growth and enhance its operational capabilities in 12 African nations, including strategic markets like Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The investment is anticipated to bolster Africa’s industrial infrastructure, making the continent more competitive in the global value chains, which is in line with Afreximbank’s objective of advancing both intra-African and international trade.
Gagan Gupta, CEO and Founder of ARISE IIP, expressed enthusiasm about the new equity partnership with Afreximbank, noting that it substantially bolsters their financial ability to pursue their industrial development strategy across Africa. He regarded the partnership as a strong vote of confidence in their business model and its future potential.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, shared his contentment with the investment, highlighting its congruence with the bank’s strategic intentions to promote industrialization and enhance trade throughout the African continent.
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, underscored the significance of the investment for fostering sustainable industrial development in Africa. She pointed out ARISE IIP’s pivotal role in establishing impactful industrial infrastructure that is expected to contribute to economic diversification and solidify Africa’s standing in international markets.
