HACO Industries Kenya Limited has partnered with Ghana-based Ayewa Aberfur to produce and distribute its Amara skincare lotion in Ghana, marking a significant expansion of its presence in West Africa. This strategic move is part of HACO's plan to build manufacturing capacity across Africa. The partnership will enable local manufacturing of Amara lotion, bringing HACO's production expertise closer to consumers.
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.
The partnership 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. HACO Managing Director Mary-Ann Musangi said the partnership would help connect manufacturing capabilities with African markets while strengthening regional value chains.
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.
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. This 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.
HACO is targeting a presence in 30 African countries by 2030 and plans to establish five manufacturing hubs across the continent. The Ghana partnership is 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.
Musangi emphasized that Africa's manufacturing opportunity will increasingly be shaped by how effectively the continent connects capabilities, markets, and value chains. The 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 HACO's brands.
Key points
- HACO partners with Ayewa Aberfur to manufacture and distribute Amara skincare lotion in Ghana.
- The partnership aims to connect manufacturing capabilities with African markets and strengthen regional value chains.
- HACO targets a presence in 30 African countries by 2030 and plans to establish five manufacturing hubs across the continent.
