Non-traditional export earnings surge by 30.7% to $5bn in 2025

Ghana's non-traditional export (NTE) sector achieved a historic milestone, with annual earnings leaping by 30.7% to hit $5.006 billion in 2025. This performance marks a significant departure from the 7.53% average annual growth rate recorded over the past decade. The surge was largely driven by a robust performance in value-added goods, particularly within the cocoa sector.

The Manufacturers and Semi-Processed sub-sector remains the powerhouse of the NTE portfolio, accounting for a dominant 83.47% of total earnings. Cocoa paste alone generated $789.3 million, a 70.9% increase from the previous year, while cocoa butter saw a remarkable 120% rise to $635.7 million. Europe remains Ghana's largest NTE destination, with the Netherlands serving as the primary hub, importing $831.1 million worth of goods. On the African continent, NTEs reached $1.50 billion. The ECOWAS region accounted for over half of these exports ($767.8 million), with Togo emerging as the leading destination at $232 million. Iron and steel products recorded a slight decline of 1.59%, falling to $316.5 million.

Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Board Chairman of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, emphasised the authority's long-term vision, stating "Ghana's goal of achieving USD 10 billion in NTEs earnings by 2030 is very achievable." Francis Kwarteng Arthur, Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the need for increased funding. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, called for tailored financial approach to support SMEs, "**Patient capital and other curated capital tailored for SMEs