The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026 aimed at deepening Ghana’s export diversification efforts and strengthening the competitiveness of the country’s non-traditional export sector.

According to the Authority’s 2025 Non-Traditional Export Statistics report, the outlook for 2026 will focus on expanding export markets, strengthening value addition, and supporting exporters to take advantage of emerging opportunities under regional and global trade frameworks.

GEPA indicated that priority will be given to helping Ghanaian exporters scale up production and improve product standards to meet international market requirements. This includes strengthening support services for exporters, facilitating participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and improving access to market intelligence.

The Authority also plans to intensify efforts to promote value addition across key export sectors, particularly agro-processing and manufacturing, as part of the broader strategy to increase export earnings and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports.

Another key focus for 2026 will be leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, where Ghanaian exporters are expected to benefit from improved access to regional markets. The Authority believes deeper engagement with African markets will help boost demand for Ghanaian processed foods, manufactured goods and other non-traditional export products.

GEPA further noted that improving the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises will remain central to its strategy. This will involve targeted training programmes, export readiness initiatives and technical support to enable more businesses to enter international markets.

The Authority believes these measures will help consolidate recent gains in the sector, which saw Ghana’s non-traditional export earnings surpass $5 billion in 2025, reinforcing the sector’s growing role in supporting economic growth, job creation and foreign exchange generation.

Overall, GEPA says the 2026 outlook reflects a continued commitment to building a resilient export sector driven by value-added production, stronger market access and increased participation of Ghanaian businesses in global trade.