At the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave 2024, Diplomatist had the opportunity to engage with Nikhil Gandhi, Executive Director and Chief Business Officer at ARISE. With an ambitious vision and a firm commitment to Africa’s development, ARISE has emerged as a pan-African developer specialising in industrial parks and essential infrastructure.
“We are not just builders; we are transformers,” stated Gandhi, reflecting ARISE’s core philosophy. “Our success lies in transforming value chains. In each country, we don’t just build infrastructure; we actively develop and transform the value chain.”
ARISE’s journey began in 2010 in Gabon, where they established their first industrial park. The impact was profound—Gabonese wood, once exported in raw form, is now processed into value-added products such as sawn timber, veneer, plywood, and furniture. Gandhi proudly noted, “Today, Gabon has become the largest producer of veneer in Africa and the third largest globally. Nearly 3 million cubic meters of processed timber were exported from Gabon. This transformation has had a deep impact on the entire nation.”
Beyond the industrial park, ARISE’s projects in Gabon include building a new airport, managing two ports, and constructing a railway line. These initiatives have created approximately 20,000 jobs, significantly contributing to Gabon’s GDP. “Our approach is crucial to our success,” Gandhi emphasised. “We ensure that our projects offer a plug-and-play ecosystem with guaranteed safety, security, electricity, water supply, and sewage treatment.”
Following their success in Gabon, ARISE replicated their model in other West African countries like Benin and Togo, transforming sectors such as cashew, soy, and textiles. “Staying true to our vision of making Africa thrive, we have expanded into multiple locations in West, Central, and East Africa,” said Gandhi.
Currently, ARISE is active in over twelve countries and owns and manages three ports. They also have approximately twelve industrial park projects in the pipeline. This expansion has been supported by teams established in India, China, the Middle East, Europe, and the US, promoting the vast opportunities available within the African continent. “There are many misconceptions about Africa, and we are committed to dispelling them,” Gandhi remarked.
One of the key challenges ARISE addresses is the global perception of Africa. “This event (CII India Africa Conclave) is one example of our efforts to change perceptions,” Gandhi shared. “After meeting with many people, we have found that their understanding of Africa often changes once they visit and see the opportunities firsthand.”
Gandhi highlighted the importance of recognising Africa’s diversity, with 54 countries offering a range of opportunities. “Unfortunately, many global companies and media outlets overlook this region, often reducing Africa to South Africa, Nigeria, or Egypt. However, Africa comprises many nations with stable economies, currencies, and rich agricultural resources.”
ARISE’s commitment to Africa extends beyond infrastructure development. “We offer free consultancy and guidance for those considering investing in Africa,” said Gandhi. ARISE assists with project financing, investment, treasury advice, and government policy development for innovative ventures. “We provide end-to-end solutions for onboarding customers new to Africa, ensuring support from factory setup to success,” Gandhi added.
With a presence in twelve locations across Africa, ARISE is not just building infrastructure; they are building the future. Their comprehensive approach, from vocational training centres to single-window clearance within their zones, ensures a smooth and efficient process for investors. “As an infrastructure developer, we ensure that our projects offer a plug-and-play ecosystem with guaranteed safety, security, electricity, water supply, and sewage treatment,” Gandhi reiterated.
Leave a Reply