Ghana recorded a GH¢32.1 billion trade surplus with other African countries in 2024, reflecting deepening regional trade ties and stronger export performance across the continent. The figure marks a sharp rise from the GH¢20.7 billion surplus posted in 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service’s latest trade report.
Exports to Africa reached GH¢59.5 billion, more than double the GH¢27.4 billion in imports from the continent. The performance underscores Ghana’s growing role as a key supplier of goods, particularly to markets in Southern and West Africa, under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South Africa remained Ghana’s top export destination within the continent, accounting for over 60% of intra-African exports. Other major destinations included Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, which collectively made up over one-fifth of exports to the continent.
Among neighbours, Burkina Faso received GH¢7.4 billion worth of goods, making it the second-largest intra-African export partner. Iron and steel products dominated exports to Burkina Faso, with a combined value of GH¢1.6 billion. Côte d’Ivoire and Togo followed, importing mostly industrial materials, consumer goods, and beverages from Ghana.
On the import side, Ghana sourced GH¢27.4 billion worth of goods from other African countries in 2024. The top African import origins were South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, together accounting for nearly half of all intra-African imports.
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Despite the trade surplus, the report noted a slight contraction in the number of African countries Ghana traded with, 52 in 2024, down from 55 in 2023. While the reduction may reflect evolving trade routes or policy focus, the value of trade per country has grown, indicating deeper engagement with key partners.
With AfCFTA implementation gaining traction, Ghana’s trade surplus within Africa positions the country to benefit from lower tariffs, improved transport corridors, and greater access to new markets. However, analysts note that Ghana’s export basket remains narrow, concentrated in industrial metals and primary products, and call for further value addition to maximize gains from regional trade.
