Ghana’s non-traditional export (NTE) sector has recorded a historic surge, with annual earnings rising by 30.7 percent to reach $5.006 billion in 2025, according to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
The milestone marks a sharp departure from the sector’s decade-long average growth rate of 7.53 percent, signalling a significant transformation in Ghana’s export landscape.
The 2025 Non-Traditional Export Statistics Report shows that the manufacturers and semi-processed sub-sector remains the backbone of the industry, contributing 83.47 percent of total export earnings.
Growth was largely driven by value-added cocoa products, reinforcing Ghana’s strategy of moving beyond raw commodity exports. Cocoa paste led the surge, generating $789.3 million, representing a 70.9 percent increase. Cocoa butter followed with a remarkable 120 percent rise to $635.7 million.
Other strong performers included cashew nuts, which brought in $297.6 million, and articles of plastics, which rose by 37.8 percent to $275.4 million.
Canned tuna exports also increased by 37.3 percent to $213.5 million, while shea products recorded significant gains, with shea nuts rising by 116.5 percent and shea oil reaching $174.3 million.
Europe and Africa Lead Export Destinations
Europe remained Ghana’s largest export market, with the Netherlands emerging as the top destination, importing goods worth $831.1 million.
The United Kingdom and France followed with $253.2 million and $231.2 million respectively.
Within Africa, exports reached $1.50 billion, with the ECOWAS region accounting for over half at $767.8 million.
Togo led as the top regional destination with $232 million, while the Alliance of Sahel States contributed $674.8 million, driven largely by strong demand from Burkina Faso.
Despite the impressive growth, some sectors faced setbacks. The handicrafts sub-sector recorded a decline due to the reclassification of ceramics into the manufacturing category, while iron and steel exports dipped slightly by 1.59 percent to $316.5 million amid global price fluctuations and competition.
Outlook and Policy Direction
Board Chairman of GEPA, Godfred Seidu Jasaw, expressed confidence in the sector’s future, stating that Ghana’s target of $10 billion in NTE earnings by 2030 is achievable.
Chief Executive Officer Francis Kwarteng Arthur emphasised the need for sustained investment to maintain momentum, noting that “strategic, high impact interventions” will be key to deepening export growth.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare called for tailored financial solutions to support small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting the importance of “patient capital” in driving long-term expansion.
The strong performance underscores Ghana’s shift towards value addition and export diversification, positioning the country for greater resilience in global trade.
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