Ghana has secured the 8th position among Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries, according to a new report by The African Exponent, a leading source of business intelligence for entrepreneurs and investors across the continent.
The report highlights Ghana’s consistent investment in value-added manufacturing, especially in agriculture and cocoa, as a major driver of its industrial transformation. Over the years, this strategic focus has significantly reshaped the country’s manufacturing landscape.
A key contributor to this progress is the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, which has spurred the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. In addition, established brands like Kasapreko and Fan Milk continue to expand Ghana’s manufacturing influence beyond its borders.
The report also analyzed trends across the continent, noting that over the last decade, a handful of countries have emerged as Africa’s leading manufacturing hubs due to the size, scale, and global impact of their industries.
Africa’s Top 10 Manufacturing Countries (2025 Rankings):
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South Africa
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Egypt
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Nigeria
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Morocco
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Kenya
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Algeria
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Ethiopia
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Ghana
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Tunisia
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Zambia
South Africa topped the list, recognized as Africa’s most industrialized economy. The report credits the country’s diverse industrial base, modern infrastructure, and strong global partnerships, particularly in automotives and chemicals. Key sectors include Automotive, Steel, Chemicals, and Food Processing.
Egypt claimed second place, thanks to its vibrant export-oriented manufacturing ecosystem, supplying goods to Europe and the Middle East. Egypt’s strength lies in sectors such as Cement, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Petrochemicals, all bolstered by continued industrial reforms.
Nigeria followed in third place, powered by some of Africa’s largest industrial giants. The Dangote Refinery and BUA Group’s rapid growth are testaments to the country’s manufacturing ambition. Nigeria’s main sectors include Cement, Consumer Goods, Food & Beverages, and Oil Refining, led by major firms like Dangote Group, BUA Group, Nestlé Nigeria, and Unilever Nigeria.
Ghana’s inclusion among the top 10 reflects its growing industrial competitiveness, especially under transformative policies like 1D1F and the strategic promotion of value-added exports.
