Amin Kef-Ranger
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pioneering developer and operator of industrial ecosystems across Africa, has been awarded the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pioneer Award at the 14th Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards. The awards ceremony, held in London on November 1, 2023, brought together over 280 industry leaders from around the world and highlighted ARISE IIP’s innovative contributions to sustainable development.
ARISE IIP was selected from over 700 applications spanning 51 countries by an independent panel of 25 expert judges, who assessed candidates based on innovation, impact and sustainability. The award reaffirms ARISE IIP’s position as a trailblazer in promoting solutions that prioritize both people and the planet.
The Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards serve as a vital platform in the sustainability sector, recognizing exceptional projects across various industries that are driving positive change towards a sustainable future for all.
ARISE IIP was commended for its pioneering work, embodying a commitment to equity and livelihoods in its industry designs. The organization’s innovative and scalable model, currently implemented in Benin, offers a human-centered approach while meeting multiple SDG goals through one pilot business.
ARISE IIP’s mission focuses on designing, financing, conceiving, and operating industrial ecosystems across Africa, addressing industrial gaps in African countries and creating custom solutions for sustainable and local raw material transformation, increased exports, and trade promotion.
In Gabon, ARISE IIP manages the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ), which has led to the creation of 16,000 jobs, attracted 120 investors, and transformed Gabon into the world’s second-largest producer and exporter of veneer and Africa’s leading producer.
In Sierra Leone, ARISE IIP has initiated a multimillion-dollar sustainable development project, encompassing large-scale industrial manufacturing, railways, and job creation. This project aligns with Sierra Leone’s economic growth strategy, including plans for environmental sustainability, such as harnessing 100 megawatts of solar power, and is part of ARISE IIP’s US$1.2 billion investment aimed at bolstering Sierra Leone’s economy and creating over 34,000 jobs in the country.
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms is also bringing Passenger Railcars to Sierra Leone to revitalize the mining sector and enhance access to rail and port facilities, fostering economic growth. The government has signed the Pepel Port and Pepel – Tonkolili Railway Development, Expansion, and Management agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd.
ARISE IIP’s initiatives in Sierra Leone represent a significant stride towards the nation’s industrialization, promising economic growth, job opportunities, and local development. The organization plans to bring its successful investment model to Sierra Leone, following its achievements in countries like Benin, where it has established an Industrial Zone.
ARISE IIP identifies industrial gaps in African countries, unlocking value and creating new industries. The organization’s mission is to industrialize key sectors, maximize production, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, and generate local value addition, thus creating job opportunities, empowering local communities, and promoting economic growth through industrial development.
The Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards are globally renowned for celebrating advancements in sustainable business. These awards not only recognize but also inspire companies to lead the way in the “decade of action.” They spotlight remarkable innovations, strategies, and creations while gaining international recognition as a premier celebration of responsible business excellence.
The Responsible Business Honouree Award also acknowledges individuals who have dedicated their careers to driving change and have a proven track record of success. Past recipients include prominent figures like Lise Kingo, Mark Carney, John Elkington, Christiana Figueres, Paul Polman, and Mindy Lubber, among others.
