Ghana’s non-traditional export sector has the potential to generate more than US$15 billion annually by 2030 if deliberate investments are made in value addition, financing, and export-oriented industries, the President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Mr Davis Korboe, has said.
He said Ghana’s recent achievement of over US$5 billion in non-traditional export earnings—attained earlier than previously projected—demonstrates the sector’s strong growth trajectory and untapped potential.
Mr Korboe made the remarks at the Eye on Port media forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), where stakeholders in trade, exports, and logistics gathered to assess the future of Ghana’s export economy.
Sector ahead of earlier projections– Korboe
Mr Korboe explained that he had earlier projected during the 2025 Horti Expo that Ghana would reach the US$5 billion mark by 2027, but the country had surpassed that expectation.
According to him, this early achievement signals that Ghana is on course for far higher export earnings if existing momentum is sustained.
He identified key growth areas such as the feed industry, coconut production, mango cultivation, and programmes under the Tree Crops Development Authority as critical pillars for future expansion.
He noted that the feed industry alone could generate more than 80,000 jobs annually if properly developed, stressing that targeted investment could transform it into a major export engine.
Mr Korboe also called for stronger government commitment to export development through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, and closer institutional coordination.
He further urged the establishment of a dedicated financing mechanism to support exporters and producers of non-traditional commodities, arguing that access to affordable capital remains a major constraint.
He stressed that increased value addition would enable Ghana to move away from raw commodity exports, increase foreign exchange earnings, and create sustainable jobs across the value chain.
Handicrafts drive export boom – GEPA
Sector records 500% growth as global demand for Ghanaian cultural products rises
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has revealed that Ghana’s handicrafts sector has recorded about 500 per cent growth in exports, making it the fastest-growing segment within the country’s non-traditional export basket.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEPA in charge of Marketing and Promotions, Mr Rashid Raymond Kramer, disclosed this at the same Eye on Port forum organised by GPHA.
He said the performance reflects rising global demand for Ghanaian cultural and handmade products, which are increasingly gaining visibility in international markets.
Global demand driving growth – Kramer
Mr Kramer explained that products such as ornaments, Adinkra-inspired artefacts, paintings, woodcrafts, and other handmade items are attracting growing interest abroad due to their uniqueness and cultural value.
He said shifting global consumer preferences are favouring authentic, handmade, and culturally rich products, positioning Ghana’s creative industry for strong export expansion.
According to him, textiles and fashion items—particularly kente and other Ghanaian fabrics—also present significant export opportunities, especially as international markets show increased appetite for African designs.
He said GEPA has identified value addition as a central strategy for expanding Ghana’s export base and supporting job creation under the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Mr Kramer explained that processing agricultural produce rather than exporting it in raw form remains critical to increasing export earnings. He cited yam, coconut, cocoa, mango, and pepper as key commodities with strong value-addition potential.
He noted that Ghana’s agricultural products already enjoy strong global demand, making industrial processing the next logical step in strengthening export performance.
Value addition is key – GEPA CEO
Mr Kramer said many producers are increasingly embracing semi-processing activities such as cocoa butter, cocoa cake, shea butter, dried fruits, and other value-added products.
He explained that value addition not only increases revenue for producers but also reduces post-harvest losses and extends product shelf life, making Ghanaian exports more competitive.
He further noted that Ghana has significant comparative advantages, including abundant raw materials and favourable access to global markets, which should be leveraged to attract investment into agro-processing and manufacturing.
He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities within the export sector to establish processing facilities and support Ghana’s broader industrial transformation agenda.
Together, both FAGE and GEPA officials underscored a common message: Ghana’s export future will depend not just on production, but on how much value the country is able to add before its goods reach global markets.
