Economic growth in Ghana remained concentrated in services, information and communication technology (ICT) and hydrocarbons in the second quarter of 2026, while momentum weakened across parts of the non-oil economy, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Africa Economic Update.
The report identifies ICT as the fastest-growing sector, with activity expanding by 30.9 percent during the quarter. The performance highlights the growing contribution of digital services to economic activity, as mobile services, digital payments, online platforms and software become increasingly integrated into business operations and everyday life.
“Overall, growth remained concentrated in services, ICT, and hydrocarbons, while momentum weakened across parts of the non-oil economy,” the World Bank said.
Services grew by 8 percent and accounted for almost three-fifths of overall economic growth, while industry benefited from oil and gas activity. The figures point to an economy increasingly driven by services and extractive industries, even as other sectors struggle to maintain similar momentum.
The expansion of digital services presents opportunities to improve productivity, create jobs and reduce the cost of doing business. Small businesses can use digital platforms to reach new customers, while electronic payments and online tools can help traders and entrepreneurs manage transactions and expand their markets.
However, the concentration of growth in a few sectors raises questions about how widely its benefits are being distributed. Agriculture, which remains a major source of employment and livelihoods, has not matched the pace of expansion recorded in ICT and other leading sectors.
Extending digital adoption beyond the services industry will be important to broadening these gains. Better access to reliable internet, affordable digital tools and practical technology skills could help farmers, traders and small businesses improve production, reach customers and manage their operations more efficiently.
Extending the gains from ICT growth to other sectors would enable farmers, traders and small businesses to use digital tools to raise productivity, expand market access and contribute more to economic growth.
