HACO expands West Africa footprint with Ghana manufacturing partnership

The partnership will enable local manufacturing of Amara lotion, bringing HACO’s production expertise closer to consumers while supporting the company’s strategy to build manufacturing capacity across Africa.

Under the agreement, HACO will provide technical expertise, product standards, manufacturing systems and oversight of key formulations and quality processes. Ayewa Aberfur will contribute its product development and manufacturing capabilities, as well as knowledge of the Ghanaian market.

The two companies have undertaken product validation, stability testing, operational reviews and technical training as part of preparations for local production. They will also implement harmonised quality systems and standard operating procedures, supported by regular technical reviews, audits and shared quality controls.

HACO Managing Director Mary-Ann Musangi said the partnership would help connect manufacturing capabilities with African markets while strengthening regional value chains.

“Africa’s manufacturing opportunity will increasingly be shaped by how effectively we connect capabilities, markets and value chains across the continent. Our partnership with Ayewa Aberfur brings together technical expertise and local knowledge to establish a strong foundation for manufacturing Amara in Ghana, while creating opportunities to strengthen the African value chains that support our brands,” said Musangi.

The agreement follows market research by HACO that identified Ghana as a strategic entry point into West Africa, citing its economic potential, business environment and position within the region.

Founded more than five decades ago, HACO manufactures about 90 products across the haircare, skincare, homecare and plastics categories. Its brands are distributed to more than three million families across Africa, while the company works with more than 500 farmers on the continent to source raw materials.

The company said the Ghana operation will form part of its wider West African manufacturing strategy by enabling it to produce closer to consumers and strengthen regional supply chains.

The partnership also advances HACO’s efforts to increase the use of African raw materials, including oils and butters, in its manufacturing operations and strengthen linkages between local producers, manufacturers and consumer markets.

HACO said the initiative aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area by promoting intra-African trade, regional manufacturing and the movement of African-made products across markets.

The company is targeting a presence in 30 African countries by 2030 and plans to establish five manufacturing hubs across the continent.

The Ghana partnership is therefore expected to serve as a foundation for HACO’s broader expansion in West Africa as it seeks to increase local production capacity and grow its portfolio of African consumer brands.