President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious plan to triple Ghana’s non-traditional export revenues to $10 billion by 2030, pivoting the economy toward value-added production and reduced reliance on raw commodities.
Central to this strategy is the newly inaugurated Accelerated Export Development Committee (AEDC), an 18-member presidential advisory body tasked with steering the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) under the Accelerated Export Development Programme (AEDP).
Currently, Ghana’s non-traditional exports including processed foods, textiles, handicrafts, horticulture, and services generate approximately $3.5 billion annually. The government’s target marks a deliberate shift from low-complexity exports like gold, cocoa, and timber to higher-value finished goods for global markets. “We must build an export-driven industrial base that transforms raw materials into competitive products,” Mahama declared during the AEDC’s inauguration on May 5, 2025.
The AEDC will coordinate policy alignment, institutional accountability, and execution of export initiatives, addressing longstanding bottlenecks such as logistics inefficiencies and infrastructure gaps. Key interventions include modernizing seaports and customs systems, operationalizing the Bankra Inland Port, developing the Mpakadan Port as a logistics hub, revamping the Volta Lake Transport Company, and expanding cold chain infrastructure for perishable goods. These upgrades aim to slash export clearance times and logistics costs, areas where Ghana trails regional peers like Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
Industry leaders have welcomed the focus on infrastructure, noting that small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in rural areas, face steep challenges accessing international markets. “Reducing logistics barriers is critical to unlocking the potential of Ghana’s non-traditional sectors,” said one agribusiness executive, who requested anonymity due to ongoing government collaborations.
Ghana’s push mirrors broader African efforts to diversify economies amid volatile global commodity prices. Neighboring countries, including Kenya and Senegal, have similarly prioritized agro-processing and manufacturing to cushion against external shocks. However, success hinges on sustained investment in production capacity, quality standardization, and export financing a reality underscored by Mahama’s call for “ambitious but deliberate” execution.
The AEDC’s mandate will also require navigating geopolitical headwinds and competitive regional trade dynamics. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters in Accra, Ghana is positioned to leverage intra-African trade, though infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles remain. Analysts stress that achieving the $10 billion target demands consistent policy follow-through and private sector collaboration, particularly in high-potential sectors like textiles and horticulture.