Beacon Auto Repair, a leading automotive repair and maintenance company based in the United States, has announced its expansion into West Africa by opening a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Accra.
The automotive giant, serving both corporate fleets and private retail customers, brings fleet-first auto repair, career training, and economic development to West Africa.
This move marks a significant investment in the region’s auto sector, providing cutting-edge diagnostic services and workforce training to the youth in the automobile centre.
Beacon’s Centre of Excellence in Accra will serve as both a high-volume repair hub and a training ground for Ghanaian talent. The company’s AI-powered diagnostic tools and predictive maintenance strategy have already reduced fleet downtime by 40 percent for global clients, including Amazon, DHL, and FedEx.
Founder and CEO of Beacon Auto Repair, Michael-Bryant Hicks, emphasised that the brand has officially launched operations in West Africa and will soon open its first auto repair centre of excellence in Accra to deliver advanced manufacturer-standard auto services.
“This move aims to address the critical need for reliable automotive services while fostering economic growth and job creation in Ghana. We intend to be the leader in skills and career development in Ghana’s auto repair industry,” he said.
A Dual-Purpose Mission: Repairs and Youth Empowerment
With over 70 percent of Ghana’s vehicles being imported used cars, many are in urgent need of maintenance. Beacon’s arrival is timely in addressing this critical gap in reliable auto service centres while tackling youth unemployment.
Furthermore, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), in its Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey (AHIES) report last year, indicated that over two million young people in Ghana aged 15-35 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). It also revealed that the youth NEET rate is higher in urban areas at 20.6 percent compared to rural areas at 15 percent.
Meanwhile, the World Bank reported in 2023 that youth unemployment sits at nearly 20 percent, signaling an urgent need for accessible career pathways.
Beacon’s arrival also aims to address this critical gap by tackling youth unemployment through its ‘Automotive Apprenticeship Model.’ This initiative targets equipping the youth with requisite skills in the automobile industry, as trainees will complete over 100 supervised repairs, earn certifications, and advance to leadership roles like fleet managers.
“We’re not just fixing cars; we’re building careers and strengthening Ghana’s economy. Foreign investment in Africa has often lacked sustainable growth opportunities for local communities. Beacon Auto Repair takes pride in doing the opposite. We are here to create sustainable businesses within Africa, benefiting the people of the continent for years to come,” Hicks added.
Mr. Hicks, currently in Ghana for his second visit from the USA in less than a month, is on a mission to fulfill his lifelong dream of relocating and making a meaningful impact.
His connection to Ghana dates back to 1999, when he first visited and was captivated by the warmth and kindness of its people.
Ghana’s Ambassador for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Matthew Mensah, said, “We welcome Beacon Auto Repair to Ghana. This investment represents a major step forward in workforce training and fleet reliability for both public and private sectors.”
Breaking Barriers for Women
The company also aims to disrupt gender norms in auto repair, where women comprise less than two percent of the workforce in many African nations. To address this, Beacon will offer specialized training programs and free Masterclasses — including certifications in Auto Repair Management, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Safety Protocols.
Beacon Auto Track Record
The USA-based Beacon Auto Repair company blends expert repair services with forward-thinking workforce development. Known for servicing thousands of fleet vehicles annually, Beacon integrates AI-driven diagnostics and apprenticeship programs to improve reliability, reduce downtime, and uplift local economies.
The company’s centers of excellence are now a cornerstone of its expansion strategy across Africa.
