Ghana has been ranked 8th among Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries, according to a new report by The African Exponent, a platform that offers business insights for entrepreneurs and investors across the continent.
The report highlights Ghana’s consistent push toward value-added manufacturing, especially in sectors like agriculture and cocoa processing, which has helped reshape the country’s industrial landscape. It also credits the government’s “One District, One Factory” (1D1F) initiative for driving the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and promoting regional industrial development.
Prominent local companies such as Kasapreko and Fan Milk were cited as examples of Ghanaian brands extending their footprint into international markets.
In its rankings, the report notes that over the past decade, a handful of African countries have distinguished themselves by hosting the largest and most influential manufacturing operations on the continent.
The top 10 countries listed are:
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Morocco
- Kenya
- Algeria
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Tunisia
- Zambia
According to the report:
- South Africa maintains its position as Africa’s most industrialized economy, with strong infrastructure, a diversified industrial base, and global partnerships — particularly in automotive, steel, chemicals, and food processing.
- Egypt leverages its proximity to Europe and the Middle East to fuel its export-driven manufacturing sectors, including cement, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.
- Nigeria continues to grow its industrial base, with major projects like the Dangote Refinery and rapid expansion by BUA Group, supported by a large population and domestic demand. Its key manufacturing sectors include cement, consumer goods, food and beverages, and oil refining.
