ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial zones, has completed a $700 million capital raise, bringing Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor Vision Invest into its shareholder base.
The deal, which includes both primary and secondary components, is one of the largest private infrastructure raises in Africa in recent years. The funds are expected to support Arise IIP’s expansion plans across the continent, with a focus on developing industrial zones aimed at boosting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
The company’s shareholder base now comprises Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Equitane, the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the investment platform of Afreximbank, and Vision Invest as its newest investor.
Founded in 2010 with initial operations in Gabon, Arise IIP has since expanded into more than 14 African countries, deploying close to $2 billion in infrastructure projects and creating over 50,000 jobs. Its model emphasises local value addition through processing raw materials and promoting industrial self-sufficiency.
Arise’s footprint across Africa
The company has developed several large-scale industrial platforms across Africa. These include the Nkok Special Economic Zone in Gabon, focused on timber processing and furniture production; the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) in Togo, which integrates logistics with textile and agribusiness processing; and the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin, which supports cotton, cashew, and other agro-processing value chains. Together, these platforms are part of Arise IIP’s strategy of creating export-oriented hubs that attract investment while fostering local transformation.
In Nigeria, Arise IIP is working with the Ogun State government to develop the Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone, an upcoming economic hub in Remo, Ogun State. The project includes what is billed to be the world’s largest garment factory, whose construction is expected to start in September 2025. The project ties into Nigeria’s broader policy of leveraging special economic zones to drive industrialisation and boost non-oil exports.
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Gagan Gupta, founder and CEO of Arise IIP, said the new investment will accelerate the company’s goal of building industrial hubs across Africa. “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,” he said.
Samaila Zubairu, president and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation and chairman of Arise IIP, highlighted the wider development impact. “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.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, president of Afreximbank and chairman of FEDA’s board, described the deal as a boost to Africa’s industrialisation agenda. “With this capital increase, Arise IIP will become an even stronger partner of Afreximbank in the drive to promote export manufacturing and industrialisation in Africa.”
Read Also: AIIP, others allocate $3.5bn to revive Nigeria’s Free Trade Zone – Businessday NG
Vision Invest’s first direct investment in Africa
From Vision Invest, chairman Mohammad A. Abunayyan said the investment reflects the company’s push to support local development.
“This marks our first direct investment in Africa and a natural extension of our values and impact investment philosophy, which centres on the socio-economic development of the communities in which we invest.”
Omar N. Al-Midani, president and CEO of Vision Invest, added that Africa represents a long-term opportunity. “Arise IIP represents the ideal platform for Vision Invest’s entry into Africa, combining world-class execution, an institutional shareholder base, and an operating model that focuses on in-country beneficiation.”
Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright advised Arise IIP on the transaction, while EFG Hermes and Linklaters acted for Vision Invest.
Arise IIP said the fresh funding will help scale its industrial ecosystem model, which seeks to integrate sustainable practices while driving industrialisation and regional trade across Africa.
