Ghana’s Growth Engines: Key Sectors Driving Expansion in 2026

Ghana’s manufacturing and technology sectors are set for accelerated growth in 2026 if infrastructure and policy constraints are effectively addressed, according to EM Advisory’s 2026 macroeconomic outlook. The International Monetary Fund projects real GDP growth of about 4.8% in 2026, supported by firmer exports, easing inflation, and a gradual recovery in domestic confidence. But what does that actually mean for someone living in Ghana or planning to relocate? It means the non-oil economy is expanding on its own momentum, and several specific industries in Ghana that generate revenue are pulling ahead.

For everyday residents, growth matters only if it improves jobs, lowers inflation, stabilizes electricity, and reduces borrowing costs. Headline GDP numbers do not automatically translate into household relief. This article breaks down which sectors are poised for expansion, what’s driving them, and where the opportunities and risks actually lie.

1. Manufacturing and Technology: The Twin Engines

Manufacturing and technology have the potential to become significant contributors to both GDP growth and employment if supportive policies are implemented effectively. That potential is not guaranteed. It depends on solving two long-standing Ghanaian problems: power reliability and logistics bottlenecks.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a major driver here. It opens a continental market of 1.4 billion people for Ghanaian manufactured goods. But production costs need to be competitive first. Rising venture capital investment in technology startups is the other driver. International investors are signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.

Technology startups in Ghana have attracted growing interest from international investors. Improvements in internet connectivity and ICT infrastructure would further accelerate innovation and job creation, particularly among young entrepreneurs.

Risks remain. Delays in implementation or political interference in project prioritisation could undermine growth prospects. The advisory cautions that “Ghana must balance speed with quality to unlock the full potential of its manufacturing and technology sectors in 2026”.

2. Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Infrastructure is the backbone of everything else. Without reliable power, roads, and ports, manufacturing cannot scale, and technology startups cannot operate efficiently. The “Big Push” Infrastructure Programme is the government’s answer, with GH¢30 billion allocated to roads, bridges, ports, and logistics corridors.

That budget allocation is massive, but government funds alone are not enough. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a central role in accelerating Ghana’s infrastructure delivery in 2026, as fiscal space remains constrained. The government has emphasized the need to involve the private sector in the development of public infrastructure by promoting a robust PPP agenda.

The challenge is that Ghana has historically processed only a handful of PPPs annually, often hindered by poor risk allocation and weak project appraisal. The report emphasizes that 2026 must be the year the government strengthens PPP execution. The private sector must step up with well-packaged projects that meet Ghana’s infrastructure needs.

Areas where PPPs can have an immediate impact include roads, water, power, and logistics. Successful PPPs can attract foreign investment and enhance operational efficiency. The report concludes that PPP readiness and execution discipline are critical to translating budget allocations into visible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

3. Services and ICT: The Main Engine

Ghana’s services sector is expected to remain the main engine of economic growth in 2026, supporting a baseline GDP projection of 4.8%. Financial services, telecommunications, and trade will continue expanding, even as manufacturing and oil production face constraints. Non-oil GDP growth of 5.0% demonstrates the underlying strength of the productive economy, highlighting improvements in domestic trade, banking, and ICT services.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service (data released in April 2026), economic activity in January 2026 showed strong momentum. The services sector recorded a growth rate of 9.6%, followed by Industry at 7.2%, and Agriculture at 4.5%. The services sector was the main contributor to the overall growth, accounting for 54.3% of the 7.5% expansion. The strong services performance was driven primarily by education and information and communication technology (ICT), reflecting continued digital transformation of the Ghanaian economy.

Ghana has officially entered the 5G era, with the government launching next-generation telecommunications infrastructure that aims to revolutionise digital connectivity across the nation. The planned initial rollout by NGIC focuses on major urban centers including Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with nationwide expansion expected in phases. (For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on Ghana’s 5G rollout.) This technology enables widespread adoption of IoT, AI, and smart cities.

The government is prioritizing drone and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as critical tools for accelerating Ghana’s industrial transformation, job creation, and export competitiveness. Ghana seeks to transition from being a consumer of imported technologies to becoming a creator and exporter, supported by regulatory clarity, innovation financing, and regional collaboration under the AfCFTA.

4. Tourism and Creative Arts

Ghana’s tourism and creative arts sectors offer significant potential to diversify the economy and generate employment in 2026. The recovery of global travel and renewed cultural interest presents a unique opportunity to monetise Ghana’s rich heritage. The “Year of Return” campaign demonstrated strong diaspora engagement and growing demand for cultural tourism.

Investments in air connectivity, hotel capacity, and destination marketing could position Ghana as a premier African destination for tourists and creative professionals. Tourism and the arts also create jobs quickly, particularly for young people. From hospitality and transport to content creation and event management, these sectors can absorb labour faster than manufacturing or agriculture.

Overall unemployment in Ghana was approximately 13.1% in late 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) is often reported significantly higher, with some estimates exceeding 30%. In this context, tourism and creative arts could provide meaningful pathways to income, especially for younger job seekers. Moreover, tourism generates foreign exchange without the volatility associated with commodities such as gold or cocoa. With supportive policies, such as visa facilitation, creative industry incentives, and heritage site development, Ghana could leverage tourism and the arts to boost both GDP and export earnings.

2026 presents an opportunity to accelerate investments in tourism and the creative economy. Success in these sectors would diversify revenue streams, create jobs, and enhance Ghana’s global brand.

5. Energy and Mining: The Mixed Picture

The oil and gas sector is expected to contract by 15.6% in 2026, reflecting natural declines in mature fields and delays in new production. While oil output slows, the resilience of services and industry helps cushion the overall economy. Non-oil sectors are increasingly important for stable growth.

On the renewable energy front, the picture is brighter. Ghana is significantly expanding utility-scale solar generation and rural electrification projects. The government has broken ground on a major solar project at Dawa Industrial Enclave, with an initial 100 MWp capacity expected to be completed by December 2026, with expansion to 1,000 MWp by 2032. According to project announcements, this first phase represents about 2% of Ghana’s current power supply.

First Sky Energies announced plans for a 50‑megawatt renewable power plant. The National Clean Energy Programme has been authorized, leveraging an expected investment of more than USD 200 million to boost access to solar power for homes, businesses, and industries.

Gold remains one of Ghana’s most important export products, and international gold prices staying high helps export income. But Fitch Solutions warns of risks from potential volatility in global gold prices and mounting security threats from the Sahel.

6. Agriculture and Agribusiness

Agriculture and manufacturing are projected to contribute more moderately, with manufacturing growth at 5% due to high financing costs and power supply challenges. The agriculture sector grew by 4.5% in January 2026 (per GSS data), driven by the crops and livestock subsector.

While agriculture’s growth rate is slower than services and industry, it remains foundational. For those looking to enter this space, our agriculture investment opportunities in Ghana guide covers key sub‑sectors and entry points. The government has allocated GH¢828 million specifically for the Agricultural Enclave Roads Programme as part of the broader Big Push Infrastructure Programme, seeking to transform national infrastructure while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. These agricultural roads are designed to curb food inflation by improving access to markets for farmers.

Ghana has announced a public-private tomato production initiative aimed at producing up to 400,000 tonnes annually, strengthening food sovereignty and reducing dependence on imports. Agribusiness is also a key focus of the AfCFTA strategy, with the Trade Minister linking efforts to revitalize special economic zones for light manufacturing to support export competitiveness within Africa.

7. The 24-Hour Economy Initiative

President Mahama has described the 24-Hour Economy Programme as “the boldest economic transformation initiative in Ghana’s recent history”. On February 6, 2026, Parliament passed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025, establishing the legal and regulatory framework for the programme. President Mahama assented to the bill on February 19, 2026. The government has allocated GHS 110 million in the 2026 Budget for implementation.

The initiative is designed to achieve four core objectives: unlock round-the-clock economic activity, deepen value chains across key sectors, boost productivity and support export growth, and create quality jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and services.

Key incentives for qualifying businesses include duty-free importation of machinery, fast-track port clearance procedures within 24 hours, and enhanced support for businesses committed to round-the-clock operations. The 24-Hour Economy Model Markets programme will establish modern, secure markets that operate around the clock in districts nationwide.

If you need personalized legal assistance for business registration, investment structuring, or navigating Ghana’s regulatory environment, use the form below:

Sources

• International Monetary Fund: “Ghana and the IMF” – 2026 Projected Real GDP: 4.8%
• IMF Press Release No. 25/338: “IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fifth Review of the Extended Credit Facility with Ghana” (October 10, 2025)
• Parliament of Ghana: Bills – 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025
• The Presidency, Republic of Ghana: “Ghana ready to lead Africa’s industrial renaissance” (April 9, 2026)
• Ghana News Agency: “Ghana’s economic growth eases to 7.5 per cent in January 2026 – GSS” (April 11, 2026)
• GhanaWeb: “President Mahama assents to 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill” (February 19, 2026)
• GhanaWeb: “Ghana signs landmark PPP deal to boost tomato production” (February 2026)
• MyJoyOnline: “First Sky Energies to add 50MW to the national grid from Yendi plant” (March 2026)
• Ministry of Finance: “Flash Data Report” – unemployment data