The CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I has stated that GEPA has successfully diversified Ghana’s exports beyond traditional products like cocoa beans and timber.
“Today, the Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) sectors include products from sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, arts and crafts, and services”, she said.
She emphasized that in 2023, GEPA recorded significant growth in the NTE sector, reaching an impressive $3.944 billion in earnings.
Dr. Asabea Asare reiterated that this represents an 11.75% increase over 2022. Leading products contributing to these earnings include iron and steel, cocoa paste, cashew nuts, and shea oil, with iron and steel topping the list at $447.8 million.
She noted that the sector’s continued expansion is driven by strategic interventions aimed at capacity building and market development.
“GEPA has implemented programs to support product development, market intelligence, and research to ensure exporters have the tools and knowledge to succeed on the global stage”, she noted.
She added that GEPA’s strategic interventions include the “Youth in Export” program, which is designed to attract young people to the export business
She explained that the program provides participants with hands-on training, mentorship, and capacity building, focusing on practical learning to ensure they are well-prepared to become successful exporters.
“Through hands-on training, mentorship, and capacity building, this program equips participants with the skills to succeed in various sectors”, she said.
She further explained that the first and second cohorts of the program have already created over 500 employment opportunities, and GEPA plans to expand this initiative with a third cohort expected to generate over 4,000 direct jobs.
Dr. Asabea Asare, highlighted GEPA’s commitment to supporting women in export. Central to this effort are a range of women-centered projects designed to empower women entrepreneurs and expand their presence in the international marketplace.
Dr. Asabea Asare emphasized that empowering women in export is not only about economic growth but also about inclusive development creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs, GEPA ensures that Ghana’s export growth benefits all sectors of society.
“Going forward, GEPA plans to expand these programs, increase the number of women beneficiaries, and forge new partnerships that will offer even more resources and opportunities to women in the export industry”, she noted.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
