In 2023, Ghana achieved nearly $4 billion in non-traditional exports, marking an 11% increase from the $3.53 billion recorded in 2022.
However, this figure falls about $21 billion short of the National Export Development Strategy’s (NEDS) 2029 goal of $25 billion. Despite this, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) remains optimistic about reaching this target within the next five years by building on recent progress and capitalizing on key investments.
The $3,944,146,717 earned from non-traditional exports like shea butter, iron and steel products, and coconut represented 24% of the total national export revenue of $16 billion, as reported by the Bank of Ghana.
The significant increase in 2023 was driven by several initiatives aggressively pursued by GEPA, including product development and supply base expansion programs such as the coconut revitalization and pineapple expansion initiatives, which provide farmers with seedlings and inputs to meet export demands. These efforts have helped maintain Ghana’s position as the top source in Africa for these products.
GEPA continues to facilitate market access for Ghanaian producers and exporters through promotional activities like trade fairs and expos worldwide. These efforts are crucial in helping exporters focus on their core competencies while GEPA markets their products.
This information was shared during an interview with Dr. Martin Akogti, Head of Research, and Mr. Chris Amponsah Sackey, Head of Public Relations at GEPA, on the Eye on Port program on Accra-based Metropolitan Television.
Mr. Chris Amponsah Sackey emphasized GEPA’s commitment to diversifying Ghana’s non-traditional exports and expanding the reach of local products.
He highlighted the GEPA Impact Hub, a flagship program providing services like market research for exporters. He encouraged exporters to utilize the GEPA Impact Hub, which offers a technology-driven database that connects users to the global marketplace.
“So as an exporter or one who wishes to export you can come in and do your research on the product that you want to export to know which countries you can even take these products to and the good thing is that we have officers there to even assist you. This database is quite expensive so individuals are not able to purchase them because you have to keep renewing them almost every year. At the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority, we have all these things and we don’t charge exporters any fee”, he stated.
In addition, Mr. Sackey said that although his organization will maintain its strategic alliance with important parties, government funding will enable the NEDS’s 10-year goal to be achieved.
“So all things being equal, if all the things that we need are provided, then we should be able to get to that 25.3 billion dollars. For example, the document will tell you that we need about 2 billion dollars to be able to reach the 25.3 billion dollars,” he indicated.
However, the Head of Research at GEPA, Dr. Martin Akogti, revealed that another hurdle, that continues to serve as a stumbling block is the sad reality where many Ghanaian producers are unable to meet the export demand where they have obtained market access.
“If a company outside requests for a monthly supply of a 20ft-container-full of coconut, many Ghanaians will not be able to provide.”
This is why Ghanaian exporters should engage with the Export Promotion Authority, enroll in the Export School, and utilize other available resources to enhance their capacity for large-scale production.
GEPA officials noted that for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, logistical challenges in delivering large-scale orders can be mitigated by the Authority’s support in consolidating goods with other exporters to achieve export success.
The Trade House in Kenya, the first of many such initiatives, has attracted significant attention as a one-stop-shop for Ghanaian products. Exporters are encouraged to connect with GEPA to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.
Dr. Martin Akogti revealed that GEPA is collaborating with the Ghana Roots, Crops, and Tubers Exporters Union to boost the international market performance of yam and related products.
He also mentioned that a review of the NEDS document will be conducted soon to assess current performance against the original 2020 vision.