Ghana’s non-traditional exports rose sharply in 2025, indicating efforts to diversify the economy away from raw commodities and expand value-added production. Earnings climbed to $5.006 billion, up from $3.08 billion in 2024, according to data released by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) at the launch of its latest sector report in Accra.
Chief Executive Officer Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur said the increase reflects growing international demand for Ghanaian products and the sector’s resilience. He noted that non-traditional exports continue to show strong potential for expansion as more locally produced goods gain acceptance in global markets.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said the sector holds significant promise as Ghana shifts from exporting raw materials to higher-value products. She added that the report provides critical insights for businesses seeking to make informed trade and investment decisions.
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said export diversification remains central to Ghana’s economic transformation strategy, noting that gold, crude oil and cocoa accounted for more than 70 percent of merchandise exports as recently as 2023.
Non-traditional exports now make up about 16 percent of total merchandise exports, with Africa contributing 30.36 percent of earnings, largely driven by trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The minister said the figures point to improving competitiveness within regional markets and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
She said sustaining growth will require stronger production capacity, improved quality standards and better access to financing, alongside efforts to address institutional constraints. The government is working with agencies including the Ghana EXIM Bank and the Ghana Standards Authority to boost industrial competitiveness and expand market access, she said.
Ofosu-Adjare also highlighted the Feed the Industry Programme as a key initiative to link agriculture with manufacturing by strengthening the supply of raw materials for processing. She urged exporters, manufacturers and financial institutions to accelerate value addition, saying this would support job creation, build industrial capacity and improve foreign exchange earnings. The report, she said, serves both as a record of progress and a roadmap for future growth as Ghana seeks to deepen its presence in global markets.
