Ghana continues to earn accolades for its sterling economic performance in 2025 from global and local observers.
The country just earned another loud endorsement on the global business stage, and it didn’t come from a ratings agency or a development bank. It came from Vusi Thembekwayo, the outspoken South African entrepreneur, author, and public speaker, who says Ghana’s economy is his single biggest global winner of 2025.
Speaking candidly and wholeheartedly on a podcast, Vusi did not mince words. Despite admitting he has personal business interests in Ghana and feeling conflicted because of that, he said the facts on the ground and the numbers tell a very interesting story.
In his words, Ghana’s government has “come in swinging” and delivered one of the most impressive economic turnarounds he has seen in an open economy this year.
Citing reasons for his favorable assessment of the Ghanaian economy, the global business icon listed the sharp strengthening of the local currency, the cedi, a development many Ghanaians have felt directly in recent months. After years of currency instability, the local currency has shown renewed confidence, easing pressure on imports, prices, and investor sentiment.
He describes that the development is not accidental. He links it to deliberate policy choices and a clear economic game plan.
Beyond the currency, he points to Ghana’s improving balance of payments, essentially how the country earns and spends foreign exchange through trade with the rest of the world. Stronger export performance and tighter control over leakages have helped stabilise the economy and rebuild credibility with international partners.
What stands out most in Vusi’s commentary is his focus on leadership and strategy. He argues that President John Mahama’s return to office has brought a different kind of energy to governance.
According to him, this second run appears more focused, more reflective, and backed by lessons from the past. In his view, Ghana is benefiting from a leader who now understands what works, what failed before, and how to move faster with fewer mistakes.
“Here is one economy, though, that won in 2025. Ghana, of course, I’m conflicted, right? I have, you know, I have an interest in a business in Ghana. But man, the government of John Mahama has just come in swinging. And from what I hear on the ground, and when I look at the data, this government has just been, frankly, kicking ass and taking names. You look at the strengthening of their currency. You look at the balance of payments in terms of their trade with other parts of the world,” he noted.
He says Ghana is also rising in international standing. From renewed diplomatic engagement to stronger relationships with global partners, Vusi believes the country is positioning itself not just as a recovering economy, but as a serious player with a long-term vision.
This combination of currency stability, improving trade performance, strategic clarity, and confident leadership, Vusi says, sets Ghana apart. While many economies struggled through 2025 with inflation, weak growth, and political uncertainty, Ghana, he argues, quietly put together a winning year.
“You look at the strategy and the game plan they have for their nation-state. You look at their international standing and the relationships they have with other nations. Like, you know, and maybe it’s because it’s John Mahama’s second run, right? And so he’s come at it with a little bit more knowledge, information, and introspection,” he narrated.
He added, “But I think that if there is a single economy for me, which is an open economy, but won in the year 2025, it’s been the economy and the people of Ghana. It’s going to be very interesting to see how that plays into the dynamics for the year 2026.”
As the 2026 fiscal year takes off, he believes Ghana’s performance this year could reshape expectations, not only within West Africa but across emerging markets globally. The real test, he says, will be whether the momentum can be sustained.
