This funding will support the growth of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial parks under the Bank’s broader industrialization strategy, including its flagship Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program.

ARISE IIP builds and manages industrial platforms aimed at improving the local processing of raw materials in African countries that currently export most of their commodities in unprocessed form.

The zones provide ready-to-use industrial land, shared infrastructure, reliable utilities, export connectivity, and simplified administrative services.

These features help agro-industrial businesses relocate parts of their global supply chains to Africa, boosting local value addition and reducing the environmental impact of trade.

With successful operations in Gabon, Benin, and Togo, ARISE IIP is now looking to replicate this model in other African countries.

The goal is to enhance Africa’s export competitiveness and promote trade within the continent.

Dr. Beth Dunford, AfDB Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development said:

“African-grown products like cocoa, timber, cotton, and cashew can deliver much more economic and social value if processed locally rather than shipped out raw. Through the SAPZ program and our investment in partners like ARISE IIP, we’re enabling private-sector-led transformation that creates jobs and supports rural economies.”

The impact of ARISE IIP’s current projects has been notable.

In Gabon (Gabon Special Economic Zone), Benin (Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone), and Togo (Plateforme Industrielle d’Adetikope), more than 400 companies from 47 sectors have joined these zones.

These efforts have created over 50,000 jobs and mobilized more than $7 billion in investment. Key industries include wood, textiles, ceramics, meat processing, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization, emphasized the importance of this partnership.

“This investment reflects our dedication to scaling Africa’s industrial potential, especially in sectors where we hold competitive advantages. It also highlights our collaboration with regional financial institutions like the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), major shareholders in ARISE IIP. Together, we’re putting African capital to work for Africa’s development.”

Gagan Gupta, CEO of ARISE IIP, expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support.

“This investment from AfDB is a strong endorsement of our mission. We’re eager to keep driving the development of local value chains, creating employment, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the continent. Our team’s commitment has been essential in making this partnership a reality.”

The AfDB’s support for ARISE IIP is expected to accelerate the transformation of Africa’s industrial landscape, helping countries shift from raw commodity exports to more inclusive, value-added growth.