FAGE and GEPA Project US$15 Billion Non-Traditional Export Earnings for Ghana by 2030

Ghana is on a trajectory to significantly expand its non-traditional export (NTE) sector, with projections suggesting earnings could surpass US$15 billion by the year 2030. This ambitious target was highlighted during the Eye on Port media forum, organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), where industry leaders and trade officials gathered to discuss the future of the nation’s export economy. The discussions centered on the sector's current rapid growth and the necessity of strategic institutional support to sustain this momentum over the next decade.

Davis Korboe, President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), underscored that achieving this multi-billion dollar milestone is contingent upon deeper collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and private stakeholders. He stressed that the potential for growth is immense but requires a deliberate shift toward value addition and robust export development. By moving beyond the export of raw materials and focusing on processed, high-quality goods, Ghana can capture a larger share of value in global markets, providing a critical boost to the national economy and currency stability.

Contributing to this optimistic outlook, Rashid Raymond Kramer, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), revealed that the handicrafts sector has emerged as a powerhouse within the NTE category. According to GEPA data, the handicrafts segment recently recorded a staggering 500 percent growth in exports, officially making it the fastest-growing segment in the country's non-traditional portfolio. This surge not only illustrates the untapped potential of Ghanaian artisanship but also serves as a proof of concept for the effectiveness of recent export promotion and diversification strategies.

As Ghana looks toward the 2030 horizon, the primary focus remains on creating a conducive environment for local exporters to scale their operations. The synergy between FAGE’s strategic policy goals and GEPA’s sectoral successes indicates a strengthening ecosystem for non-traditional trade. However, realizing the $15 billion goal will require sustained investment in modern infrastructure, easier access to affordable credit for exporters, and continuous innovation in value-added production to maintain a competitive edge on the international stage.