The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has approved a $30 million loan to support Baalbaki Chemical Industries (BCI) Holding South Africa’s expansion of its existing production facility in Egypt and the commissioning of new factories in Algeria and Nigeria to boost manufacturing capacity and job creation.
The facility, which is given to Baalbaki Chemical Industries (BCI) Holding South Africa, a leading regional manufacturer and distributor of polyurethane (PU) raw materials, systems and specialities with headquarters in the UAE, will help to further expand its production in these countries by creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.
According to a statement posted on IFC website, “IFC’s $30 million loan will support the company’s expansion of its existing production facility in Egypt and the commissioning of new factories in Algeria and Nigeria. The financing will help BCI develop regional supply chains for polyurethane, a versatile product used in insulation, footwear, packaging and other industries.”
“Specifically, the facility is expected to produce more than 80 direct jobs and several hundred indirect jobs in the supply chain and through employment multiplier effect, although no detail was provided in regards to when the Nigerian operation will take off.
IFC noted that BCI’s signature technology, used to convert recycled scrap PET into polyester polyol for insulation, has the potential to support circular economy initiatives, aimed to build resilience, generate business and economic opportunities, and provide environmental and societal benefits.
Founder and Chairman of the Group, Dr. Ihsan Baalbaki, said “Our group has been able to survive and prosper over the past 64 years, despite the challenges in the region, primarily due to our commitment to a holistic view of what constitutes a true positive bottom line. Businesses we invest in and develop must not only be economically feasible, but also socially beneficial and environmentally friendly.”
