Accra: South Africa maintained its position as Ghana's largest export destination within Africa in 2025, contributing to 58.7% of the nation's exports to the continent. According to Ghana Web, this information was disclosed in the most recent Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report published by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The report, unveiled on Thursday, July 30, 2026, highlights South Africa's significant role, receiving over half of Ghana's exports to African nations. Burkina Faso followed as the second-largest export market, comprising 16.8% of Ghana's exports to Africa, with Togo and C´te d'Ivoire accounting for 5.5% and 5.2%, respectively. Together, these three nations represented more than a quarter of Ghana's exports to the continent.
Additionally, the report indicates that Ghana experienced an increase in its trade surplus with African countries, rising from GHS32.1 billion in 2024 to GHS34.7 billion in 2025. Ghana exported goods to 51 African nations throughout the year, while imports were sourced from 54 countries, an increase from 51 in the previous year.
On the import side, Nigeria topped the list as Ghana's largest supplier in Africa, making up 31.9% of imports from the continent. South Africa was the second-largest supplier, contributing 11.6%, while Morocco and Togo accounted for 8.3% and 7.9%, respectively. The report suggested that these figures underscore the expanding trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with regional markets increasingly influencing Ghana's trade dynamics.
Among its neighboring countries, Burkina Faso emerged as Ghana's primary export market, with exports valued at GHS11.8 billion compared to imports of approximately GHS1.3 billion. The data underscores that while Ghana is broadening its trade across Africa, its exports remain prominently concentrated in a few key markets, with South Africa leading the charge.