Ghana’s 2026 budget has positioned industrialisation at the center of the country’s economic recovery, signalling a bold shift toward a production-driven economy. The government has unveiled initiatives designed to expand domestic manufacturing, encourage import substitution, and promote export-oriented industries, aiming to reduce reliance on imported goods while boosting local production.
A key component of this vision is the Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Programme, which seeks to strengthen Ghana’s industrial base while generating employment opportunities. The programme includes the Industrial Finance and Export Guarantee Facility, managed by the Development Bank of Ghana (DBG), which offers long-term, affordable financing for industrial enterprises, providing a critical boost for businesses seeking expansion or modernization.
The industrialisation strategy also integrates infrastructure development, with ongoing efforts to complete industrial parks and special economic zones in Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. These zones are equipped with reliable energy, transport, and water facilities, creating an investor-friendly environment designed to attract both local and foreign private investment into Ghana’s industrial sector.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted the Feed-the-Industry Policy, aimed at linking agriculture with manufacturing by ensuring local producers supply consistent raw materials to domestic industries. This policy targets key sectors, including food processing, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, strengthening value chains and supporting local entrepreneurs while enhancing Ghana’s self-sufficiency.
The government is also rolling out the Ghana Standards Reform Programme, focused on improving product certification, quality assurance, and compliance with international trade standards. These reforms are expected to enhance competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and contribute to the creation of over 300,000 jobs by 2028. With the 2026 budget, Ghana is taking decisive steps toward a self-sustaining economy powered by industrialisation.
source: citi newsroom