FAGE: Driving export growth through collective action
In today’s global economy, a nation’s success hinges on the strength of its trade. For Ghana, this reality demands more than isolated efforts—it requires deliberate partnership, clear policy, and a shared purpose.
At the heart of this drive is the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), which stands not merely as a federation, but as a movement and a national mandate.
Since its establishment in 1992, FAGE has become the trusted voice of the country’s export sector. Representing a broad range of commodity and trade associations—including horticulture, shea, textiles, and processed foods—FAGE unites stakeholders from the grassroots to factories, port corridors, and global markets under one banner.
“FAGE exists because Ghana’s export agenda cannot thrive in silos,” says Davis Narh Korboe, President of FAGE. “Exports are the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity, and collective action is essential to strengthen that heartbeat.”
Despite non-traditional exports (NTEs) earning over US$3.9 billion in 2023, Ghana’s export potential remains largely untapped. Only 8 percent of agricultural exports undergo processing before leaving the country, resulting in missed opportunities for value addition.
Furthermore, over 60 percent of SMEs and women-led agribusinesses face challenges accessing consistent markets due to technical, logistical, and financial barriers.
Every container of raw produce exported instead of finished goods represents lost jobs, foreign exchange, and economic value. FAGE’s mission is to reverse this trend by reimagining Ghana as a centre of quality, innovation, and export competitiveness.
Ghana produces sought-after products such as pineapple, mango, coconut, yams, vegetables, herbs, handicrafts and textiles. However, to compete globally, these products must be better packaged, certified, and positioned.
Behind the trade statistics are individual stories: a young woman in Techiman who makes moringa powder dreams of exporting to Sweden but struggles with poor packaging; a pineapple farmer in Dawa receives lower prices due to inconsistent transport; a cooperative in Hohoe has excellent cassava but lacks certification to access European markets.
FAGE acts as their advocate—giving them a voice in decision-making spaces they might not otherwise access, and building bridges to markets beyond their reach.
“Our progress must come through solidarity, not silos,” Mr. Narh Korboe urges. “We must stimulate exports—not someday, but now. Not for one, but for all. Together, we export more. Together, we rise.”
FAGE’s collective agenda is clear: to drive the country’s export growth through unity, innovation and shared commitment.
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