Ghana's Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) to Africa reached $1.50 billion in 2025, according to the 2025 Annual Non-Traditional Export Statistics Report by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) accounted for the bulk of these exports. ECOWAS remained Ghana's largest regional export market, with $767.8 million, representing over half of the country's Africa-bound NTEs.
Togo emerged as Ghana's leading ECOWAS destination, with exports increasing by 10.23% to $232 million in 2025. The report attributed this growth to Togo's strategic role as a transit and re-export hub, as well as strong demand for manufactured goods such as iron and steel and articles of plastics. Côte d'Ivoire followed with $205 million, while Nigeria and Senegal recorded $103.5 million and $87.5 million, respectively.
The AES bloc, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, accounted for $674.8 million in Ghanaian NTEs. Burkina Faso was the largest individual destination within the bloc, with $532.2 million, driven by demand for Ghanaian manufactured and processed goods. The report noted that the transition of these countries into the AES bloc had reshaped the regional distribution of Ghana's exports.
Outside West Africa, Ghana's exports to other African regional blocs were comparatively modest. The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) recorded $14.8 million, led by Algeria, while the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) accounted for $14.2 million, driven largely by Egypt's demand for semi-processed products. The East African Community (EAC) and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) recorded $11.9 million and $11.3 million, respectively.
The GEPA report recommended a targeted approach to expanding Ghana's export markets across the continent. It identified strengthening trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS, addressing non-tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and improving border efficiency as key measures to facilitate trade. The report also called for stronger trade relations with major markets such as Togo, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire.
To sustain and expand Ghana's NTEs performance, the report suggested investments in transport and logistics infrastructure, including trade corridors, inland ports, and efficient transit systems. It also recommended expanding value addition by shifting from raw materials to processed and semi-processed goods in manufacturing and agribusiness to improve export earnings and competitiveness. Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt were identified as potential markets for diversification.
Ghana's total NTE earnings for 2025 reached $5.006 billion, representing a 30.7% increase from $3.83 billion recorded in 2024. The African market accounted for 37.8% of total NTE earnings, with a value slightly higher than $1.45 billion recorded in 2024. The report was launched in April 2026, providing insights into Ghana's export performance and strategies for future growth.
Key points
- Ghana's non-traditional exports to Africa reached $1.5 billion in 2025.
- Togo is Ghana's leading ECOWAS destination, with exports increasing by 10.23% to $232 million.
- The report recommends a targeted approach to expanding Ghana's export markets across the continent.
