The Minister of Trade and Industry presided over the signing ceremony for the transfer of shares between the Abidjan Industrial Economic Platform (PEIA), the National Social Security Fund (CNPS), and the Deposit and Consignment Fund of Côte d’Ivoire (CDC-CI), in the PK24 Akoupé-Zeudji industrial zone.
The State of Côte d’Ivoire, through the CNPS and the CDC-CI, officially formalized its acquisition of a 35% stake in the capital of the Abidjan Industrial Economic Platform, which is owned by the ARISE Group. This tripartite agreement follows the concession agreement signed on June 14, 2022, between the State and ARISE IVOIRE, for the financing, development, and management of 431 hectares in the PK24 Akoupé-Zeudji industrial zone.
“This economic and industrial zone project aims to increase the national supply of developed industrial land and improve the competitiveness of companies located within this zone” stated Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, adding that, as part of this project, the PEIA PK24 will host 150 industrial companies, creating 21,000 direct jobs.
With a total capital of 57.14 billion CFA francs, the Ivorian government’s 35% stake amounts to 20 billion CFA francs, including 17 billion CFA francs from the CNPS (National Social Security Fund), representing 29.75%, and 3 billion CFA francs from CDC-CI (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations de Côte d’Ivoire), representing 5.25% of the capital. This project represents a major innovation and is the first of its kind in establishing industrial infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Ivorian government and an international private operator.
With a total investment of nearly 200 billion CFA francs, the Minister of Trade and Industry indicated that this ambitious project is positioned as a major driver of industrialization in Côte d’Ivoire. It reflects the Government’s commitment to fostering a virtuous synergy between the public and private sectors within the framework of large-scale industrial projects.
Inviting all national and international economic operators to seize the numerous investment opportunities in the country by establishing themselves in this new industrial zone, Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba assured them of the Government’s commitment to remain a constant and dedicated partner alongside the private sector, in order to provide all the necessary support for the realization of investment projects and the strengthening of Ivorian industry.
He commended the management teams of the two institutional investors who responded favorably to his request by approving this strategic investment project and expressed his hope that it would inspire others, particularly regarding equity investments in the emerging Industrial Development Fund.
Lacina Fofana and Idriss Traoré, respectively CEO of CDC-CI and Deputy CEO of CNPS, welcomed their participation in the PEIA PK 24 investment group, alongside a renowned industrial developer. They intend to play their part in the development of this economic and industrial zone, which will create added value and jobs for young people and women.
Sylvain Edi, CEO of PEIA, reiterated that this zone is intended to host companies in the agribusiness, construction materials, circular economy, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as a training center meeting international standards. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the industrial platform, which includes industrial units currently under construction.
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