Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports Hit Record $5 Billion as Agricultural Diversification and Processing Efforts Intensify

Ghana has achieved a historic milestone in its trade sector, with non-traditional exports (NTEs) surpassing the US$5 billion mark for the first time. According to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), this represents a remarkable 30% growth compared to the previous year. Mr. Rashid Raymond Kramer, Deputy CEO of GEPA, attributed this success to a strategic shift toward value addition and heightened international demand for Ghanaian goods. Cocoa products, particularly butter and cake, led the surge by generating over US$800 million, while other commodities such as cashew, shea, and processed agricultural goods showed strong performance. Notably, the handicrafts sector emerged as the fastest-growing segment, recording a staggering 500% growth driven by global interest in cultural products like ornaments, woodcrafts, and kente textiles.

To sustain this momentum, the government is expanding its support infrastructure through the Feed Ghana Programme. Coordinator Peter Nuhu announced that the first batch of 11 Farmer Service Centres (FSCs) is scheduled to become operational by October. These centres, situated across key agricultural districts, are designed to provide farmers with essential services including mechanization, agricultural inputs, extension support, and financial services. By integrating climate-smart agricultural solutions and improved market linkages, the FSC initiative aims to bolster productivity and ensure that the raw materials feeding the export pipeline meet international quality standards.

Strategic shifts are also occurring within specific commodity groups to move away from the traditional model of exporting raw materials. The Cashew Council Ghana (CCG) recently inaugurated a 15-member board in the Bono Region, tasked with transforming the industry through local processing and increased investment. Dr. Andrews Osei Okrah of the Tree Crops Development Authority emphasized that transitioning to value-added processing is critical for the industry's sustainability and farmer profitability. This philosophy is echoed in emerging sectors like avocado production, which experts suggest could become Ghana’s next multi-billion-euro export win. Potential revenues from avocado are estimated between €1.5 billion and €2 billion annually, provided the country invests in a robust industrial value chain rather than focusing solely on raw fruit exports.

Looking ahead, GEPA has set an ambitious target of reaching US$10 billion in non-traditional exports by 2030 through its Accelerated Export Development Programme. The focus remains on enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses in the global marketplace by improving product branding and logistics. As the country seeks to diversify its economic pillars beyond gold, cocoa beans, and oil, the combination of enhanced farmer support services and a national commitment to industrial processing is expected to position Ghana as a leading exporter of high-value, processed goods in Africa.