Ghana ranked 8th among Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries; 1D1F praised – Nsemkeka
Ghana has been ranked 8th among Africa’s top 10 manufacturing countries, according to a report by The African Exponent, an analytical business information source for entrepreneurs and potential investors in Africa.
The report stated that Ghana’s long-term focus on value-added manufacturing in agriculture and cocoa has transformed its industrial landscape.
Again, the “One District One Factory” initiative has fostered Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) growth, while established firms like Kasapreko and Fan Milk extend Ghana’s manufacturing reach internationally.
According to the report, within the last decade, a few countries have stood out for hosting the largest manufacturing companies in Africa, both in scale and influence.
South Africa came 1st followed by Egypt and Nigeria in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
Morocco (4th), Kenya (5th), Algeria (6th), Ethiopia (7th), Tunisia (9th), and Zambia (10th) followed suit.
The report stated that South Africa is Africa’s most industrialized nation.
Its advanced infrastructure, diversified industrial base, and global partnerships, especially in the automotive and chemical sectors, make it the continent’s undisputed manufacturing giant in 2025. The leading sectors are Automotive, Steel, Chemicals, and Food Processing.
Similarly, the report revealed that Egypt’s manufacturing ecosystem thrives on exports to Europe and the Middle East.
With a strong presence in chemicals, cement, and pharma, Egypt has positioned itself as a continental manufacturing leader supported by industrial reforms. The country is known for the production of Cement, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, and Petrochemicals.
Also, the report said Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates. The Dangote Refinery project and BUA Group’s rapid expansion illustrate Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions, buoyed by a large domestic market and policy reforms.
In addition, the top manufacturing sectors in the country include Cement, Consumer Goods, Food and Beverages, and Oil Refining, handled by leading manufacturers like Dangote Group, BUA Group, Nestlé Nigeria, and Unilever Nigeria.