By Obinna Uballa
Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial zones, has secured $700 million in fresh capital, marking one of the largest private infrastructure transactions in Africa.
The deal, announced Wednesday in Dubai, sees Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest join as a new shareholder alongside founding investors such as Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Equitane, as well as the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact arm of Afreximbank, a statement from the organisation said on Wednesday.
The raise, which includes both primary and secondary components, will fund Arise IIP’s continued expansion across the continent and its push to build green, inclusive, and sustainable industrial ecosystems, the statement added.
Founded in 2010, Arise IIP has operations in more than 14 African countries, with nearly $2 billion already deployed into infrastructure projects.
The platform, which began in Gabon, focuses on creating local value by processing raw materials on the continent and promoting import substitution. The company says its projects have enabled over 50,000 jobs to date.
“Arise has always believed in Africa’s promise and the talent driving its growth,” said Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of Arise IIP. “The partnership with Vision Invest and the continued support of our institutional shareholders will help us build resilient, self-sustaining industrial ecosystems that deliver long-term value.”
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC and Chairman of Arise IIP, called the deal a milestone for Africa’s industrial ambitions. “Arise IIP has demonstrated what is possible when global capital aligns with Africa’s ambitions. We are proud to deepen our partnership and support Arise IIP as it scales industrial transformation across the continent,” he said.
Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah praised the deal as strengthening Africa’s capacity for export manufacturing and industrialisation, while FEDA CEO Marlene Ngoyi described Arise as a model for “sustainable growth and regional integration.”
For Vision Invest, the transaction represents its first direct investment in Africa. Chairman Mohammad A. Abunayyan said it reflected the company’s impact-driven philosophy: “We are proud to partner with AFC, FEDA, and Equitane to support economic diversification and local development.”
Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright advised Arise IIP on the deal, while Vision Invest was represented by EFG Hermes and Linklaters.
