Ghana has been ranked 8th among Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries, according to a report by The African Exponent, a leading analytical business platform for entrepreneurs and investors across the continent.
The report highlights Ghana’s long-term commitment to value-added manufacturing in agriculture and cocoa, which has significantly reshaped the country’s industrial landscape.
The government’s flagship “One District, One Factory” initiative was also noted for promoting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), while established firms such as Kasapreko and Fan Milk continue to extend Ghana’s manufacturing footprint on the international stage.
According to the report, over the past decade, several countries have emerged as key players in Africa’s manufacturing sector based on scale and influence.
South Africa topped the list, followed by Egypt and Nigeria in second and third places, respectively. Morocco ranked 4th, Kenya 5th, Algeria 6th, Ethiopia 7th, while Tunisia and Zambia placed 9th and 10th.
South Africa retained its position as Africa’s most industrialized nation, boasting advanced infrastructure, a diversified industrial base, and strong global partnerships—particularly in the automotive and chemical industries. Its leading sectors include automotive, steel, chemicals, and food processing.
Egypt was praised for its thriving manufacturing ecosystem, supported by strong export ties to Europe and the Middle East. Key sectors include chemicals, cement, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals—buoyed by strategic industrial reforms.
Nigeria, ranked 3rd, continues to host some of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates. Projects such as the Dangote Refinery and the BUA Group’s expansions illustrate Nigeria’s ambitions, backed by a large domestic market and supportive policy frameworks. Its dominant manufacturing sectors include cement, consumer goods, food and beverages, and oil refining.