Maagrace Garments Industries Ltd. is set to double its production capacity by year-end, signaling a new phase in Ghana’s push to position itself as a competitive hub for ethical apparel manufacturing in West Africa.
Backed by Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana, the investment will finance a new production facility at MGIL’s Koforidua site, aiming to ramp up exports and generate hundreds of jobs, particularly for women and youth. The funding marks a strategic bet on inclusive industrial growth at a time when Ghana seeks to diversify exports beyond raw commodities.
MGIL, a subsidiary of UK-headquartered Ethical Apparel Africa, currently employs over 700 workers—72 percent of whom are women—and exports over 90% of its output to global brands including Fruit of the Loom, Victoria’s Secret’s Adore Me, and Obermeyer. The expansion will allow the company to operate at a higher scale, helping address previous constraints linked to inconsistent order volumes.
“The new facility is on track to be completed by the end of this year, and once operational, will roughly double our production capacity,” said Keren Pybus, CEO of Ethical Apparel Africa.
She noted that the long-term vision includes deepening partnerships with global brands, investing in green technologies, and nurturing the local talent pool.
To that end, MGIL has forged collaborations with vocational institutions such as the Koforidua Technical Institute. These partnerships support internships and hands-on training to equip students with industry-ready skills, while also strengthening small and medium-sized garment businesses through shared best practices.
Prior to the investment, the company struggled with limited economies of scale. But with year-round programs now secured from larger clients, MGIL is positioned to operate more efficiently and competitively.
Jacob Kholi, Chief Executive of GIP Ghana, emphasised that targeted government support could unlock similar growth trajectories across the sector.
“Training support through TVET grants and access to affordable working capital for raw materials are key areas where policy can accelerate industrial outcomes,” he said.
GIP Ghana—an investment vehicle of British International Investment—views the deal with MGIL as a strategic play to generate economic and social returns. Over the next three years, the firm will track key metrics such as jobs created, revenue growth, and the share of women in management roles.
While the U.S. remains MGIL’s main export destination, Pybus revealed that the company is fielding growing interest from European and Canadian buyers. MGIL’s strategy includes shifting away from basic products to more value-added items like outerwear and fleece to meet international standards and command better margins.
As MGIL expands its footprint and sets a benchmark for ethical and scalable production in West Africa, it offers a blueprint for how public-private investment can drive sustainable, inclusive growth—without compromising on environmental or labor standards.
“We believe this is not just about apparel,” Ms. Pybus said. “It’s about proving that industrialisation in Africa can be profitable, ethical, and transformative.”
