Glo-Djigbé, Benin – 12 September 2025 – ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a leading pan-African developer and operator of integrated industrial zones, announces the successful completion of a USD 700 million capital raise and the entry of Vision Invest as a new strategic shareholder.
This transaction represents one of the largest private infrastructure fundraisings in Africa to date. It strengthens ARISE IIP’s capacity to accelerate its expansion across the continent, through the creation of inclusive, competitive and sustainable industrial ecosystems.
The institutional shareholders of ARISE IIP are now:
- Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Afreximbank’s impact platform
- Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
- Equitane
- Vision Invest, new shareholder
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), developed by ARISE IIP in partnership with the Republic of Benin, provides a concrete example of this model. By adding value to local raw materials through industrial processing, GDIZ fully reflects the Government of Benin’s vision for industrialisation, job creation and local value addition. Since construction began in 2021, GDIZ has already generated around 20,000 jobs in Benin and attracted leading investors in the local processing of cotton, cashew nuts, soy, shea, and other strategic sectors. GDIZ has thus become a key driver of the structural transformation of Benin’s economy.
“GDIZ is a concrete example of what a visionary Government and a strategic investor can achieve together. This capital raise will enable us to enhance Benin’s attractiveness, accelerate the commissioning of new industrial units, and create even more skilled jobs for Benin’s youth.” Letondji BEHETON, Managing Director, ARISE Benin
“ARISE has always believed in Africa’s potential and the talent that drives it. The partnership with Vision Invest, together with the continued support of our institutional shareholders, will help us build resilient, self-sustaining industrial ecosystems that generate lasting value.” Gagan Gupta, Founder & CEO, ARISE IIP
“ARISE IIP has shown what is possible when global capital aligns with African ambitions. We are proud to strengthen our partnership to accelerate the continent’s industrial transformation.” Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; Chairman, ARISE IIP
“This marks our first direct investment in Africa and aligns naturally with our values and impact investment philosophy, which focuses on the socio-economic development of the communities in which we operate.” Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman, Vision Invest
About GDIZ
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), developed by the Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie – BENIN (SIPI-BENIN SA), is a joint venture between ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) and the Republic of Benin. GDIZ is a dynamic 1,640-hectare industrial zone (Phase 1: 400 ha) developed by ARISE IIP, which also operates several industrial zones across Africa, including the Gabon Special Economic Zone and the Adétikope Industrial Platform in Togo, among others.
About Incom SPA
Founded in 1951 in Montecatini Terme, Italy, Incom SPA is a renowned company specialising in the design, production and distribution of leading clothing brands worldwide. Incom holds licences for brands such as U.S. Polo Assn. and is also known for its own brands, including Chinook and Float.
About ARISE IIP
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a pan-African developer and operator of world-class integrated industrial zones. Present in more than 14 countries, ARISE IIP supports local value addition, economic diversification, and sustainable industrialisation. To date, it has created over 50,000 jobs across its zones.
About Vision Invest
Vision Invest is a leading Saudi Arabian infrastructure investment and development company at the forefront of public-private partnerships in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Contributing to sustainable economic growth, the company operates across strategic sectors including energy transition, advanced digital infrastructure, resource recovery and preservation, transport and logistics, and health and social infrastructure. Its portfolio spans four continents – Asia, Africa, Australia and South America – with over USD 95 billion in assets under management.
Media Contacts
Irmine Gnidehou
Communications Director
Société d’Investissement et de Promotion de l’Industrie (SIPI-BENIN S.A)
irmine.gnidehou@arisenet.com
Audrey Mebaley
Group Communications Director – ARISE
audrey.mebaley@arisenet.com
Suha Matar
Corporate Communications Manager – Vision Invest
s.matar@visioninvest.com
