ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), the pan-African developer and operator of integrated industrial zones, has completed a landmark USD 700 million capital raise, welcoming Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor, into its shareholder base. The transaction is among the largest private infrastructure capital raises in Africa to date.
Founded in 2010, ARISE IIP has grown from operations in Gabon to 14 African countries, deploying nearly USD 2 billion in infrastructure and creating over 50,000 jobs. Its focus is on transforming raw materials, driving import substitution and establishing green, inclusive and sustainable industrial ecosystems across the continent.
“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 continued support of our institutional shareholders will help us build resilient, self-sustaining industrial ecosystems that deliver long-term value.”
The institutional shareholder base includes founding shareholders Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Equitane and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Afreximbank’s development impact platform. The inclusion of Vision Invest signals a growing appetite from global capital for strategic African infrastructure investments.
“ARISE IIP has demonstrated what is possible when global capital aligns with Africa’s ambitions,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC and Chairman of ARISE IIP.
The transaction underscores a broader continental trend, African industrialisation is no longer solely dependent on public finance. Private investors are increasingly partnering with visionary African enterprises to unlock local value chains, foster export manufacturing and create employment.
“ARISE IIP exemplifies the kind of platform that drives sustainable growth and regional integration across Africa,” said Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA.
For Vision Invest, the investment represents its first direct entry into Africa.
“ARISE IIP represents the ideal platform for Vision Invest’s entry into Africa,” said Omar N. Al-Midani, President and CEO of Vision Invest. “We look forward to building long-term value together.”
The strategic capital will support further expansion, with a focus on industrial zones that create local employment, enhance skills and strengthen intra-African trade. The deal was advised by Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright for ARISE IIP and EFG Hermes and Linklaters for Vision Invest.
ARISE IIP demonstrates the potential of African entrepreneurship and industrialisation when combined with visionary leadership, institutional backing and global capital. Its operating model prioritising in-country beneficiation, local job creation and sustainable industrial ecosystems positions the platform as a template for private sector-led development across Africa.
As the continent seeks to diversify economies and strengthen local value chains, ARISE IIP’s trajectory shows that African infrastructure entrepreneurship is scaling globally, delivering measurable impact while reshaping industrial landscapes.
