Ghana’s export diversification drive has reached a significant milestone as companies registered under the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) posted over US$1 billion in non-traditional exports during the first quarter of 2025. This performance, confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the GFZA, Dr. Mary Awusi, reflects a major shift in the country’s export architecture, where value-added products and processed goods are gaining prominence over raw commodity exports. This achievement signals that Ghana’s longstanding ambition of becoming an export-oriented manufacturing hub is beginning to crystallize into tangible results.
The new figures portray the sustained growth of Ghana’s export zones, which have evolved dramatically from their modest beginnings in the mid-1990s. Today, the zones accommodate manufacturers, agro-processors, assemblers, and high-tech firms who contribute significantly to jobs, foreign exchange inflows, and industrial capacity. The GFZA’s expansion has also widened regional investment possibilities, with Tema and Sekondi as major industrial hubs and upcoming expansions planned for Shama, Kumasi, and Afienya. The US$1 billion export value recorded in only the first quarter of 2025 demonstrates the rising role of export processing in Ghana’s pursuit of industrialization.
A major enabler of this growth is increasing capital investment by Free Zones-licensed companies. In the first half of 2025 alone, investments reached US$70 million, adding to the US$354.8 million mobilized in 2024. These investments have been directed into production facilities, warehouses, technology upgrades, machinery imports, and expansion of export-ready production lines. The result is an ecosystem where Ghana is gradually transitioning from exporting raw commodities like cocoa, gold, and crude oil to exporting processed foods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, chemical products and assembled goods targeted at European, American, and African markets.
Equally important is the government’s renewed focus on improving export infrastructure, strengthening customs systems, and providing incentives to manufacturers. At a time when global supply chains are being reorganized due to geopolitical shocks, many multinational firms are seeking new manufacturing destinations. Ghana is positioning itself as an attractive alternative, supported by political stability, improved logistics, and a young labor force. Analysts believe that if these conditions persist, it will not be surprising to see Free Zones exports reach US$5 billion annually within a few years.
Yet, challenges remain. High utility costs, occasional port delays, currency fluctuations, and regulatory bottlenecks still affect export competitiveness. Manufacturers also argue that local supply chains must be strengthened so that more raw materials can be sourced domestically rather than imported, thereby reducing production costs. But even with these challenges, there is optimism that Ghana’s export sector is on the right trajectory. The GFZA milestone marks a turning point one that suggests Ghana is now ready to consolidate its place as a major export-processing hub in West Africa. The coming years will determine whether Ghana can sustain this momentum, deepen manufacturing participation, and ultimately reverse its long-term dependence on raw commodity exports.
