The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to grow the country’s textile and garment industry by $2 billion by the year 2033 as part of a broader agenda to boost industrialisation, create jobs, and increase non-traditional exports.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement forum in Accra, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Samson Ahi, announced that the initiative will focus on value addition, infrastructure development, skills training, and stronger linkages with international markets.
The plan is expected to position the textile and garment sector as a key driver of economic growth over the next decade.
He said “We aim to scale the industry to a value of over US$2 billion, attract US$1.2 billion in new investments, create 150,000 jobs, and ensure quality cotton production across 50,000 hectares of farmland.
“These objectives are ambitious, but they are achievable through collective effort. Today’s workshop is not just about reviewing a document; it is about setting a shared roadmap that will shape the future of the industry.”
Currently valued at an estimated $400 million, the sector faces challenges ranging from limited production capacity and outdated machinery to competition from imports and underdeveloped local supply chains.
The new strategy aims to address these bottlenecks through a combination of public-private investments, tax incentives, and targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the value chain.
According to ministry projections, the initiative could generate over 250,000 new jobs by 2033, especially for women and youth, while significantly improving foreign exchange earnings.
A key component of the plan is to revive dormant textile factories, expand access to finance, and establish industrial parks specifically designed for garment manufacturing.
The government also plans to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand regional market access for locally made garments.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is expected to release a detailed implementation roadmap by the end of the year, outlining timelines, performance indicators, and partnership frameworks.
