Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) generated $3.83 billion in revenue in 2024, reflecting a slight 2.87% decline from the $3.94 billion earned in 2023, according to the latest report from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). Despite this drop—the first in four years—the sector demonstrated resilience, bolstered by impressive gains in processed goods and diversification efforts.
The report highlighted that processed and semi-processed products dominated the NTE sector, accounting for 83.4% of total export earnings, reinforcing Ghana’s ongoing shift from raw material exports to higher-value goods. Cocoa paste emerged as the top export earner, registering a remarkable 35.54% increase in export value over 2023. Other cocoa derivatives, including cocoa butter and shea oil, also performed strongly, reflecting the growing demand for processed agricultural products.
The slight contraction in overall earnings was primarily linked to a decline in iron and steel exports, which faced higher production and logistics costs. However, this was partially offset by gains in other sectors, indicating that Ghana’s strategy to diversify its export base is gradually paying off.
GEPA’s data revealed that Ghana exported 609 different non-traditional products to 152 countries in 2024, with 1,543 companies participating in the sector. Notably, 86 firms alone accounted for roughly 80% of the total export value, highlighting the concentration of export power within a few high-performing businesses.
Commenting on the results, GEPA CEO Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur emphasized the significance of this diversification. “The rise of cocoa paste as our top non-traditional export underscores the progress we are making in adding value to our raw materials,” he said, adding that ongoing initiatives like the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) and Ghana Trade Houses abroad are expected to further strengthen the sector in 2025.
Looking ahead, GEPA plans to deepen trade ties under regional frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expand market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to boost Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
