South Africa emerged as Ghana’s top export destination within Africa in the fourth quarter of 2025, accounting for a dominant share of the country’s trade on the continent.
According to the latest International Trade Statistical Newsletter released by the Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana exported goods worth GH₵12.1 billion to South Africa, representing 63.8 percent of its total exports to Africa during the period.
The report highlights a strong concentration of Ghana’s exports among a handful of regional partners. The top five destinations are South Africa, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo together accounted for more than 91 percent of Ghana’s exports to the continent.
Exports to Burkina Faso reached GH₵2.5 billion, making up 13.2 percent of the total, while shipments to Nigeria stood at GH₵1.0 billion, representing 5.4 percent. Côte d’Ivoire and Togo recorded exports valued at GH₵0.9 billion and GH₵0.8 billion, respectively.
In terms of commodities, gold dominated Ghana’s exports to South Africa, accounting for 94.4 percent of shipments to that market. Trade with Burkina Faso was largely driven by plastic products, iron, and steel, which together contributed nearly three-quarters of exports.
Exports to Nigeria were mainly composed of mineral fuels and oil products, making up over 70 percent of shipments. Meanwhile, trade with Togo was led by iron and steel, as well as chemical products, which together accounted for more than half of exports to the country.
Overall, Ghana’s exports to Africa continue to be dominated by gold bullion and crude petroleum, alongside manufactured goods such as plastics and iron and steel. This reflects both the country’s reliance on mineral resources and its gradual expansion in manufacturing trade within the region.
The Ghana Statistical Service noted that the concentration of exports among a few key partners reflects the current structure of Ghana’s intra-African trade, as the country continues to deepen regional commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
