Founded in 2007 and based in Conakry, Galerie Marifala Sarlu (Marifala or the Company) is Guinea's leading furniture company. They design and produce furniture and doors for retail and office markets. Marifala is managed and fully owned by Mr. Abdoulaye Diallo (Sponsor). Initially an importer, the Company expanded into furniture production in 2018, becoming the only in-country producer in Guinea. Marifala plans to start exporting to neighboring countries from 2024.                                                  

The total project cost of US$20 million will be financed with 35% from Sponsor equity (US$7 million) and the remaining from IFC and IDA PSW (US$13 million). This includes US$15.6 million for the industrial complex, US$3.2 million for the retail outlet stores, and US$1.2 million for working capital. The proposed investment is an 8-year senior secured loan of up to EUR12 million (approximately US$13 million). The loan amount consists of €6 million from IFC A loan and €6 million from IDA PSW BFF Loan.

The industrial complex will be situated in the Mafreyah industrial zone, located ~60 km outside of Conakry, Guinea. Three out of the four showrooms envisioned in this Project will be located in Conakry. The fourth showroom is planned for Mali at a later stage.

This is a Category B project according to IFC's 2012 Policy on Environment and Social Sustainability. The proposed project will have limited adverse E&S impacts which are readily addressed through existing mitigation measures and good international industry practices (GIIP). Key E&S risks and issues for this investment are: (i) company’s E&S management systems and staffing during the construction and operation of the wood processing facilities, warehouses and showrooms; (ii) assurance of fair, safe and healthy working conditions during the construction and operation phase for Marifala’s employees and contract workers, including occupational health and safety (OHS), emergency preparedness and life and fire safety; (iii) management of air emissions, wastewater and solid and hazardous waste; (v) community impacts due to its wood processing and sourcing operations, road traffic and use of security; and (vi) supply chain E&S requirements for raw materials, especially MDF.