Monthly news roundup - Edition 1
AFI - Africa For Investors
Connecting World-wide Investors with Business Opportunities in Africa
ARISE IIP and AFC launch US$ 100M capital pool for companies in Arise industrial parks
ARISE IIP, the pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dedicated US $100 million capital pool for companies who are establishing operations within any of the Arise IIP Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Africa. AFC will actively seek financing from Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), local and regional financial institutions to mobilise funding to support these companies. Financial services will include financial advisory support for corporate finance, equipment financing and market entry including assisting with joint ventures and technical partnerships for sponsors that may require it, to ensure they are well-equipped to seize opportunities and thrive within the SEZs. Read more
ARISE IIP initiates the project of the ‘Magwero Industrial Park’ in Malawi
Magwero Industrial Park (MIP) is an integrated industrial park project located 10km from the Malawi capital Lilongwe. It is in close proximity with the Kamuzu International Airport and Malawian railway network. Project financing will be provided by Afreximbank, a leading financial partner of ARISE IIP, amounting to USD 300 million. Spanning 417 hectares, the industrial park will comprise an industrial zone, logistics warehouses, a residential area, an Internal Container Depot Terminal (ICDT), and ‘Plug and Play’ infrastructure, offering ready-to-use hangars for small and medium-sized enterprises. MIP is set to host industrial units from various sectors, including:
- Local processing of agricultural products such as soybeans, cotton, tomatoes, maize, peanuts, and retail food products.
- Manufacturing industry, featuring production units for glass, construction materials, lighting products such as LED accessories, plywood, and paper production.
Srilanka-based Star Garments to setup their garments manufacturing unit in PIA Togo
Star Garments Group (Star), a global leader in sustainable garment manufacturing, has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art garment export manufacturing facility in Togo, marking its first venture outside Sri Lanka. The initiative, supported by a $15 million financial package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, aims to strengthen Togo’s textile and apparel sector while creating significant economic opportunities in the region. The new facility will be located in the Plateforme Industrielle d’Adétikopé near Lomé, Togo’s capital, and is expected to generate around 4,520 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
GDIZ Exports 80,000 Made-in-Benin Garments for French Brand KIABI
Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin exported 80,000 ‘Made-in-Benin garments to Europe for the French brand KIABI. KIABI is renowned for its chain of stores offering clothing and accessories for women, men, children, and babies, with nearly 563 retail outlets across France, Spain, Italy, Africa, the Middle East, and Overseas Departments and Regions (DROM). This order marks the beginning of a successful collaboration between SIPI-Bénin and KIABI, with an order alignment of 2 million clothing pieces for 2024 and 4 million for 2025.
Gabon: Redefining Timber Industry Standards Globally
Africa's timber industry a treasure trove boasting over 2,000 unique tree species, including coveted hardwoods like mahogany, ebony, and teak, each prized for their beauty and durability. This variety translates to exciting business opportunities for investors. Imagine capturing a slice of the $5 billion furniture market in Africa by investing in facilities that transform raw timber into high-value finished products . Not only does this process increase profit margins by up to 300% compared to exporting raw logs , but it also fosters local economic development by creating jobs, promoting skills development, and generating foreign exchange. With a booming construction sector expected to reach $100 billion by 2025, Africa presents a hungry domestic market for these value-added timber products, reducing reliance on exports and fostering a more resilient and sustainable industry. But that's not all! Innovative businesses are exploring the potential of wood waste, a staggering 30-50% of harvested timber, by transforming sawdust and scraps into bio-fuels, particleboard, and other eco-friendly products valued at over $2 billion annually.
Tap the Surging Demand of Soyabean Farming in Africa
Business opportunities exist for establishing processing facilities to convert soybeans into products like soy milk, tofu, vegetable oil, animal feed, Soya flour, Soya nuggets and chunks, Soya fatty (Vitamin E extraction), Soya sauce, Soya tofu, Soya milk, Soyabean acid oil, Soya concentrate and more. The demand for high-quality animal feed is surging as Africa's livestock sector expands. Soybeans serve as a valuable source of protein for poultry, pigs, and dairy cattle. Soyabean opportunity exists in the following African countries: IVC, Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Malawi. By adopting sustainable farming practices, investors can contribute to environmental protection while meeting the growing demand for ethically sourced soybeans.
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CEO & Founder AEW
8moThanks for sharing.