Ghanaian Non-Traditional Exports Hit $2.42 Billion as Value-Added Cocoa Processing Dominates 2025 Trade

Ghana records a 53% increase in non-traditional exports for 2025. Discover how cocoa processing and manufactured goods are reshaping the nation's trade.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 6:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Business Insider Africa

Industrial Shift Drives 53% Surge in Non-Traditional Exports

Ghana’s strategic pivot toward industrialization and value addition yielded significant returns in 2025, as non-traditional exports reached an estimated $2.42 billion. According to data released by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) on April 17, 2026, the top ten NTE products alone generated $3.28 billion (locally adjusted value), marking a substantial increase from the $1.59 billion recorded in 2024. This growth reflects a structural transformation in the national economy, where processed and semi-processed goods now account for over 83% of total NTE earnings.

Cocoa Processing Reaches Historic Milestones

Central to this export success is the domestic cocoa processing sector. Cocoa paste emerged as the top earner, generating $789.3 million in 2025—a nearly 71% increase year-on-year. Secondary products showed even more aggressive expansion: cocoa butter exports soared by 120% to reach $469 million, while cocoa powder increased by 113% to approximately $173 million. GEPA officials described the broader cocoa sector's total earnings of $3.69 billion as a historic milestone that validates the government's agenda to move up the global supply chain.

Diversification into Cashews, Shea, and Plastics

While cocoa remains the primary anchor, Ghana is successfully diversifying its industrial base. The agricultural sector saw steady contributions from cashew nuts ($219 million) and a flourishing shea industry. Shea nuts and shea oil combined for over $260 million in earnings, fueled by rising demand in the global pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. Additionally, manufactured exports such as plastic articles ($203 million), canned tuna ($157 million), and aluminum products ($121 million) bolstered the country's trade balance.