ARISE IIP has been recognised among leading global companies and individuals including Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a developer and operator of world-class industrial ecosystems across Africa, has been named winner of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Pioneer Award at the at the 14th Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards. The prestigious award ceremony, which celebrates leadership in sustainable business took place in London on 1 November 2023 and brought together over 280 industry leaders from across the world. With over 700 applications coming from 51 countries, ARISE IIP was selected by an independent panel of 25 expert judges from all over the globe based on innovation, impact, and sustainability. The award solidifies ARISE IIP’s position as a pioneer for solutions that put people and the planet first. The Reuters Events’ Responsible Business Awards exist as the only place in sustainability shining a light on the very best projects across multiple sectors, which are driving the industry forward to deliver a sustainable future for all. ARISE IIP was highly commended with the following citations: “ARISE’s work fully embodies the term ‘pioneer’ in the way they are working. They are designing an industry with equity and people’s livelihoods at its core, and they’ve created this remarkable, replicable model, starting in Benin, which is scalable to other parts of Africa, and even to other parts of the world. Incredible innovation and scalability, meeting multiple SDG goals through one pilot business and replicable into a human-centred industry.’’ ARISE IIP designs, finances, conceives and operates industrial ecosystems across Africa. ARISE IIP identify industrial gaps in African countries and designs tailor-made solutions to enable the sustainable and local transformation of raw materials, boost exports, and promote trade. Across the continent, ARISE IIP’s primary drive has been the creation of industrial ecosystems committed to generating high local added value along with sustainable growth. ARISE IIP has experienced a remarkable expansion across more than a dozen African countries. In Gabon, ARISE IIP manages the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) which focuses on the timber industry, and has created 16,000 jobs, attracted 120 investors, and enabled Gabon to move from being an exporter of logs to the world’s 2nd largest producer and exporter of veneer, as well as the first in Africa. In Sierra Leone, ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) has commenced construction of a multimillion-dollar sustainable development project, which includes plans for large-scale industrial manufacturing, railways, and job creation, enhancing the country’s economic growth strategy.
The ongoing construction work is part of the project, which was launched by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on 26 April 2023, marking a pivotal moment for the foundation of the Special Koya Industrial Zone (SIZ-Koya) in Koya chiefdom, Port Loko district. The SIZ-Koya, designed to span 1,600 hectares, boasts a dedicated area for exports, setting it apart with its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, including plans to harness 100 megawatts of solar power. The SIZ project is one of several plans which are part of the ongoing ARISE IIP US$ 1.2 billion investment aiming to boost the economy of Sierra Leone. The investment that will be connected to the rail and ports corridor is expected to create over thirty-four thousand (34,000) jobs in the country. This asset, in line with ARISE IIP’s ambition to unlock Africa’s industrial potential, will support the Republic of Sierra Leone in advancing the country’s industrialisation agenda. ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) has announced that it is expecting the arrival of Passenger Railcars in Sierra Leone. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revamp the mining sector, offering improved access to rail and port facilities and stimulating economic activities. The Government of Sierra Leone has signed the Pepel Port and Pepel – Tonkolili Railway Development, Expansion and Management agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd. This ARISE IIP project signifies a crucial step towards Sierra Leone’s industrialization, fostering economic growth, job opportunities, and local development. It underlines the importance of collaborative efforts and environmentally responsible practices in realising the nation’s and its people’s prosperous future. ARISE IIP is poised to provide hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly as it plans to bring in the broader investment model to Sierra Leone just like in countries like Benin where it has established an Industrial Zone. ARISE IIP identifies industrial gaps in African countries that unlock value and create new industries. It aims to industrialise key sectors by creating local transformation, maximising production, efficiency and cost, which in turn generates local value addition. ARISE IIP is committed to building a sustainable future by creating job opportunities, empowering local communities, and promoting economic growth through industrial development. The Reuters Events Responsible Business Awards are the world’s leading Awards celebrating the latest progress in sustainable business. These awards are made to reward but also inspire companies to lead the way in the decade of action. The awards showcase some incredible innovations, creations and strategies and gain international recognition with the world’s most prestigious celebration of responsible business excellence. The Responsible Business Honour Award also recognises an individual who has dedicated their career to delivering change and has a track record of success. Previous award winners include Lise Kingo, Mark Carney, John Elkington, Christiana Figueres, Paul Polman and Mindy Lubber to name a few. You can see the full list of winners and why they won here: https://events.reutersevents.com/sustainable-business/responsible-business-awards/winners?utm_campaign=5907-02NOV23-WK0-APAC%2FEMEA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
