Equitane, a leading pan-African investment group, has announced a significant expansion of its industrial portfolio, signaling a renewed commitment to driving large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure development across the continent. The move aligns with broader goals of accelerating industrialization, creating jobs, and strengthening regional supply chains in the wake of shifting global economic trends.
In a statement released earlier this week, Equitane confirmed that it will channel over $500 million into key industrial sectors over the next three years. The investments will focus on four core areas agro-processing, renewable energy manufacturing, construction materials, and automotive components with projects already underway in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The company’s CEO, Dr. Ayo Mensah, emphasized that Africa’s future lies in its ability to build strong domestic industries. This is not just about profit, he said. It’s about long-term value creation. Equitane is committed to building the factories, supply networks, and skilled workforce that will power Africa’s rise as a global production hub.
In Nigeria, Equitane has partnered with local entrepreneurs and international technology firms to construct a state-of-the-art agro-processing park in Kaduna State. This facility is expected to support over 10,000 farmers by providing modern processing capabilities for crops such as maize, soybeans, and cassava, boosting both exports and food security.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, the company is investing in a solar panel manufacturing plant in Machakos County. The goal is to produce over 300,000 panels annually, targeting both local installations and export markets in East and Central Africa. With increasing demand for renewable energy solutions, this investment is projected to create at least 2,500 direct and indirect jobs.
In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, Equitane is ramping up production of cement and prefabricated construction materials to support the region’s booming infrastructure projects. A new logistics corridor is also being planned to facilitate the movement of goods between major ports and inland industrial zones.
Analysts view Equitane’s expansion as a strategic response to the growing pressure on African economies to diversify beyond raw commodity exports. By investing in value-added production and reducing import dependency, the company is positioning itself as a driver of the continent’s economic transformation.
Critics, however, have urged Equitane to ensure that local communities are meaningfully included in all phases of its projects. In response, the firm has launched an inclusive development initiative focused on skills training, SME partnerships, and gender equity in the industrial workforce.
As Africa looks to build resilient economies in a post-pandemic world, the role of firms like Equitane in shaping a new industrial era cannot be overstated. Through bold investments and a focus on long-term impact, the company is helping to redefine what sustainable growth looks like for the continent.
