Ghana’s non-traditional export earnings rose by 30.7% in 2025. These exports reached GHS 3.28 billion, up from GHS 2.15 billion in 2024. This growth shows the early impact of government policies designed to boost industry and trade.
This significant increase was largely driven by cocoa derivatives. Cocoa paste earnings grew by nearly 71% to GHS 789 million. Cocoa butter more than doubled to roughly GHS 636 million, and cocoa powder increased by over 110% to about GHS 234 million. These figures indicate a successful shift towards adding more value to Ghana’s exports, reducing reliance on raw goods.
This performance fits into Ghana's broader economic goal of diversifying its export base. It supports the government's industrialization agenda, creating jobs and attracting foreign currency. This reduces Ghana's vulnerability to price changes in raw materials. The 2025 results mark a key step towards Ghana's ambition of achieving GHS 10 billion in non-traditional exports by 2030.
Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the board chairman of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), highlighted the role of government initiatives. He said measures like the Accelerated Export Development Programme (AEDP) and the 24-hour economy policy were crucial. These policies aim to boost production, add value, and open up more markets for Ghanaian goods. He noted these efforts help position Ghana as a more competitive player in global trade.
This acceleration in non-traditional exports has important economic benefits. Higher earnings from processed goods bring in more foreign cash. This helps to stabilize the Ghana cedi and strengthen the country’s financial position with other nations. Expanding processing also creates jobs in farming, manufacturing, and logistics. This directly supports the government's plan to industrialize the country and build a strong economy.
However, maintaining this growth requires sustained policy support. Reliable power supply is essential for factories to operate efficiently. Access to affordable financing is crucial for businesses to expand and invest in new technologies. Continued investment in infrastructure and meeting international quality standards are also vital. Without these foundational elements, the progress made in processing and diversifying exports could slow down or stop.
The strong performance in 2025 suggests Ghana’s export strategy is moving in the right direction. It moves from simply selling large quantities of raw materials to focusing on higher-value products. This shift has clear benefits for economic growth, job creation, and overall economic stability. Policymakers must continue to monitor and address challenges to ensure this positive trend continues.