London, UK – Equitane is proud to announce that two of its group companies, Spiro and Arise IIP, have been recognised at the prestigious Africa Sustainable Futures Awards, hosted by the Financial Times and the World Bank. These awards celebrate Equitane's commitment to fostering sustainable, resilient development across Africa, empowering local industries, and supporting social progress.
Spiro received the Resilient Infrastructure Award for its work in creating a Pan-African smart energy network, setting new standards for sustainable transportation and clean energy access across the continent. With over 20,000 electric bikes in operation, covering more than 300 million kilometres emission-free in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, and Togo, Spiro’s innovative infrastructure is driving Africa’s green mobility revolution, aligning with global goals for clean energy and climate resilience.
In addition, Arise was awarded in the Gender Equality and Inclusion category for its transformative efforts at its garment training centres in Benin and Togo, where over 1,151 individuals have been trained since 2022, with women comprising 55% of participants. These centres, part of Arise's Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin and the Plateforme Industrielle d’Adétikope (PIA) in Togo, aim to create thriving value chains by transforming local cotton into high-quality garments, promoting sustainable growth, and advancing economic opportunities for African communities.
“We are thrilled to see both Spiro and Arise recognised for their contributions to Africa’s development,” said Anish Jain, CEO of Equitane. “These awards underscore Equitane’s commitment to creating value-driven, sustainable solutions that empower communities and promote social inclusion. Spiro’s resilient EV infrastructure and Arise’s work in gender equality exemplify our dedication to creating meaningful impact across the continent.”
Spiro's CFO Wangeci Kanjama accepts the Africa Sustainable Futures Award on behalf of Spiro
With Spiro’s model making EV transportation more accessible and Arise’s efforts in driving local garment production, Equitane is fostering sustainable economic growth and empowering communities across Africa.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable growth by empowering local talent and supporting regional economies," says Equitane's ESG Lead, Imtinen Hamlaoui. "The textile industry is a vital driver of economic development, creating jobs and catalyzing industrial growth. Through our Textile Garment Training Centers in Benin and Togo, we are building not only a skilled workforce but also a sustainability-focused value chain that spans the entire textile industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that skills development is not an isolated effort but an integral part of our vision for a resilient, locally empowered textile sector. We are proud to contribute to a future where sustainable practices and economic opportunity go hand in hand to strengthen the communities we serve.”
About Spiro
Spiro is Africa's largest electric vehicle company, with over 20,000 bikes and more than 9 million battery swaps across multiple African nations. Operating with a mission to reduce environmental impact, enhance urban mobility, and build an integrated EV ecosystem in Africa, Spiro’s expansive infrastructure includes battery-swapping and direct-charging options. With extensive partnerships and local manufacturing, Spiro is driving the transition to clean energy across Africa, promoting a sustainable and inclusive future.
About Arise IIP
Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) is a leading developer and operator of industrial ecosystems across Africa. With key projects like the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin and the Plateforme Industrielle d’Adétikope (PIA) in Togo, Arise is creating fully integrated industrial zones focused on the local transformation of raw materials, boosting exports, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Through strategic partnerships and initiatives in sectors like textiles, agro-processing, and light manufacturing, Arise fosters job creation, skill development, and equitable opportunities in emerging African markets.