Ghana’s Non-Traditional export (NTE) sector has shown consistent growth over the years, rising from $145.5 million in 1997 to $2.25 billion by the end of 2024, representing a 1,447 percentage increase.

This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Mary Awusi.

According to her, the sector has recorded approximately $1 billion in export value in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Speaking at the media launch of the authority's 30th anniversary, Dr Awusi noted that capital investment in the sector has seen a significant increase, from $117 million in 1997 to US$354.8 million in 2024.

She said by the second quarter of 2025, an additional US$70 million had already been invested, with projections indicating that new investor capital is expected to drive exponential growth by year-end.

She added that the growth has translated into an increase in both direct and indirect employment for Ghanaians.

"Employment has grown from 3,483 direct jobs in 1997 to 40,033 direct jobs. The programme has also created indirect jobs for many local suppliers and service providers. These are not just numbers," she stated.

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She further announced that the authority has licensed over 300 enterprises, with 306 currently operating strategically in line with the government's 24-Hour Economy policy.

"The authority has licensed 339 enterprises, with 306 actively operating. These include wholly Ghanaian-owned, wholly foreign-owned, and joint ventures. In just the first half of 2025, several companies have been licensed, reflecting investor confidence in government initiatives and policies such as the 24-hour economic policy and the RESET agenda," she added.



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