Accra

Accra’s garment manufacturing industry is enjoying a renaissance, driven by disciplined public policy and a flourishing creative industry.

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Ghana’s beachside capital, Accra, is a cultural hub for the region, steeped in historic charm and a thriving arts scene. The Jamestown Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, but it’s in the city’s galleries, museums, and markets where visitors discover the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture. Makola Market tempts the senses with dishes like jollof rice and fufu, a starchy staple often paired with rich, flavorful soups. Shoppers can also find a colorful array of locally designed textiles and fashions. Accra is home to a growing number of artists’ studios, enhancing Ghanaian design’s reputation on the global stage, and this design renaissance is fueling a revival in the traditional garment manufacturing industry.

Accra is one of several West African cities, including Abidjan and Lagos, poised to benefit from rebalancing global supply chains. However, success is not guaranteed, as Accra currently ranks lower than its peers in North Africa and in larger Asian textile exporters, such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Accra’s story is just beginning, and could indicate how West African cities perform overall. The city also may benefit from growth rebalancing and rising consumer demand from neighboring countries, but this outlook could change, especially in light of worsening climate change.

The manufacturing sector in Accra is experiencing a renaissance after facing challenges during the past few decades. The city’s garment industry thrived in the 1970s, but later struggled due to an influx of cheaper imports. Nevertheless, the government cracked down on unfair trade practices and attracted more value-adding investments from China. As a result, Accra’s garment manufacturers have enjoyed rapid growth, exporting the country’s traditional kente cloth — Africa’s iconic fabric — both regionally and globally. The success of Ghanaian fashion designers also spurred the growth of domestic manufacturing, alongside an expanding range of local brands.

The African Growth and Opportunities Act with the United States provides duty-free access to the American market, laying a solid foundation for further growth. The city’s Adjabeng Free Trade Zone Enclave welcomes new garment manufacturers, including investments from US and UK joint ventures. A young, English-speaking workforce is an added advantage. Additionally, Accra’s proximity to Europe positions it as a promising nearshoring opportunity, similar to Tangier. While Accra boasts port and air cargo transport infrastructure comparable to its West African peers, it still lags behind export competitors in North Africa, as well as Addis Ababa and Nairobi.