GHANA’S NON-TRADITIONAL EXPORTS JUMP 41% — Govt Eyes $10bn Target by 2030

Ghana’s non-traditional exports (NTEs) surged by over 41% in the first half of 2025, raking in $2.54 billion in earnings a major boost toward the government’s ambitious target of $10 billion in NTEs by 2030.

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced the figures at the Government Accountability Series held at the Presidency on Wednesday, stressing that the performance reflects President John Mahama’s vision to transition Ghana into an export-led economy with sustainable job creation at its core.

“Our goal is to build a robust, inclusive and industrialised economy, one that empowers local businesses and positions Ghana as a competitive player in global trade,” the minister said.

• Historic Milestones: For the first time, Ghana exported mangoes to Morocco via 55 truckloads, while winning “Best Theme Development” at the Osaka World Expo drawing over 50 Japanese investor interests.

• US Market Access Secured: Through strong diplomatic efforts, Ghana secured a 3-year extension under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), maintaining privileged access to the US market despite recent tariff challenges.

• SMEs Driving Growth: Over 240 SMEs supported by GEPA secured $600 million in combined export orders through international trade fairs and partnerships.

Under the Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Initiative, the Ministry has:

• Drafted new industrial policies for textiles, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, and special economic zones.

• Initiated the setup of seven agro-processing factories across regions such as Savannah, Greater Accra, Bono East, and Western North.

• Launched efforts to revive dormant state factories including Komenda Sugar Factory, Juapong Textiles, and Pwalugu Tomato Factory.

In 2025 alone, the Ghana Enterprises Agency trained over 155,000 entrepreneurs, distributed 6,194 startup kits, and facilitated access to GH¢19 million in business financing.

Special attention was given to women in trade, with over 2,800 women, youth, and persons with disabilities trained in cross-border business operations at major border points.

The Ministry is also finalising a Business Regulatory Reforms Bill and has launched a new digital portal for managing reforms. Meanwhile, the Ghana Standards Authority certified 957 local products and inspected over 66,000 high-risk imports.

From 2026, all uniforms and apparel for state institutions will be produced locally, a move expected to boost local industry and reduce import dependence.

Looking forward, the Ministry plans to:

• Establish three new garment factories in Central, Eastern, and Bono East regions.

• Build two cashew processing plants in Bono and Ashanti regions with EXIM Bank funding.

• Fully operationalise seven agro-processing factories.

• Set up 24/7 business registration centres.

• Promote contract farming to strengthen raw material supply to industries.

“We are putting agribusiness and industry at the heart of Ghana’s economic transformation,” Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare said. “Our goal is to make Ghana the most business-friendly economy in Africa and this is just the beginning.”

Source:NKONKONSA.com