(ARISE IIP) - During the All Africa Business Leaders Awards ceremony organised by CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa on October 24 in Johannesburg, Benin Cashew SA, a subsidiary of ARISE IIP specialising in cashew nut processing in Benin, stood out by winning the award for the 2024 African Agro Company of the Year.

This award, a first for a Beninese company, acknowledges the firm’s commitment to stimulating local industrialisation and creating added value in the cashew sector. More broadly, this recognition highlights the relevance of the model developed by ARISE IIP. With its integrated industrial parks, the company transforms local resources into high-quality finished products while creating sustainable jobs and energising local economies. With five units and a total capacity of 120,000 tons, Benin Cashew SA aims to increase cashew nut exports from Benin by $170 million annually. By supporting the industrialisation of key sectors, ARISE IIP confirms its role as a strategic partner for Africa, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.

On this occasion, Martial Degbelo, Deputy General Director of Benin Cashew SA, stated: “Benin has just taken a major step in its industrialisation journey, particularly in the cashew sector. This international recognition highlights not only our company’s commitment but also the immense potential of the country. It is a moment of pride for all Beninese people, as it demonstrates our ability to transform our raw materials into high-value products, thereby contributing to the economic growth of our country and all of Africa.”

About ARISE IIP

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a pan-African developer and operator of world-class industrial parks, committed to advancing Africa's prosperity. We identify opportunities in commercial and industrial value chains across the continent and design, finance, construct, and operate the necessary infrastructure, playing a catalytic role to support countries in their transition to an industrial economy. Our approach is guided by the pursuit of green growth; our ambition is to unlock the industrial potential of the continent while neutralising our carbon emissions and climate impact. ARISE IIP currently operates in 12 countries, including Benin (GDIZ), Togo (PIA), Gabon (GSEZ), Côte d’Ivoire (PEIA), Nigeria (IPRFZ), the Republic of Congo (PIC), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CIP), Sierra Leone (SIZ), Malawi (MIP), Rwanda (BSEZ), Cameroon, and Chad.

About Benin Cashew SA

Benin Cashew SA is an entity of the ARISE IIP group, specialising in cashew nut processing in Benin. Located within the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone (GDIZ), the company acts as a catalyst in the cashew processing industry of this country, the third-largest global producer, providing integrated solutions throughout the cashew processing value chain, from raw material sourcing to storage management in dedicated facilities.