FAO says Ghana leads growth in African banana exports in 2025

GHANA – Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations shows that Ghana recorded the strongest growth in banana exports in Africa in 2025.

While Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon still dominate, Ghana’s shipments have surged, reflecting a growing production base and increasing global demand.

According to FAO, African countries exported about 753,000 tonnes of bananas in 2025, up 5 percent from 718,000 tonnes in 2024. Ghana led the continent in growth, shipping 129,000 tonnes, a 27.72 percent increase year-on-year.

“After several years of steady growth, our banana sector has reached a point where we can supply more consistently to international markets,” said a Ghanaian industry official. Between 2019 and 2023, Ghana averaged 73,000 tonnes per year, rising to 101,000 tonnes in 2024.

Production in Ghana has long been concentrated among Golden Exotic Limited, Volta Rivers Estates Limited, and Musahat Farms Limited, but expansion in acreage and improved farm practices have contributed to the recent boost.

Côte d’Ivoire exported 271,000 tonnes in 2025, up 7 percent from the previous year. Cameroon’s exports fell 4 percent to 244,000 tonnes as ongoing security challenges disrupted production. “In 2025, supplies from Cameroon continued to be affected by the separatist crisis and insecurity, which led to labour losses and damaged plantations,” the FAO report said.

Overall, Africa remains the fourth-largest banana exporting region behind South America, Central America, and Asia. Global exports are estimated at nearly 20.8 million tonnes in 2025, up 6 percent from 2024.

Looking beyond bananas

Meanwhile, while Ghana shines in banana exports, Morocco has driven avocado growth in Africa. Moroccan avocado shipments rose 90 percent year-on-year to 141,000 tonnes, overtaking Kenya and South Africa as the continent’s top exporter.

Kenya faced a 19 percent decline in avocado exports due to Red Sea shipping delays, while South Africa’s shipments dropped 6 percent for similar reasons. “Transit times to Europe nearly doubled, raising costs and limiting export potential,” the FAO noted.

Africa’s tropical fruit exports are growing steadily, but each country faces unique challenges, from security issues to shipping delays.

Ghana’s banana surge shows that investment in production and stability can generate measurable results in the global market.

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