By Chinenye Anuforo
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), the developer of the IPR Free Zone in partnership with Ogun State, has completed a landmark $700 million capital raise, securing one of the largest private infrastructure transactions in Africa to date.
The deal brings Vision Invest, a leading Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer, into ARISE IIP’s shareholder base alongside existing backers Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Equitane, and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact arm of Afreximbank.
The fresh capital is set to drive ARISE IIP’s expansion across Africa, with a focus on building green, inclusive, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.
“ARISE has always believed in Africa’s promise and the talent driving its growth. 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,” said Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP.
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC and Chairman of ARISE IIP, described the raise as proof of Africa’s investment appeal: “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.”
Congratulating the management team, Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, noted that the capital increase would bolster export manufacturing and industrialisation across the region.
Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, highlighted the transaction’s significance: “ARISE IIP exemplifies the kind of platform that drives sustainable growth and regional integration across Africa.”
For Vision Invest, the deal marked a strategic first step into the African market. Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of Vision Invest, said: “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.”
Reiterating, Omar Al-Midani, President and CEO of Vision Invest, added: “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.”
The transaction was advised by Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright for ARISE IIP, while EFG Hermes and Linklaters represented Vision Invest.
This milestone highlighted growing global confidence in Africa’s industrialisation agenda and positions ARISE IIP as a leading force in developing infrastructure that enhances local value chains and drives shared prosperity across the continent.
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