Conversion of synthesis gas to propylene is enhanced via a stepped process wherein a Fischer-Tropsch reaction is first carried out, followed by recovery of propylene produced thereby and then use of product ethylene and unreacted syngas in a hydroformylation reaction to produce propanol, which is then dehydrated to form additional propylene. The process enables significant enhancement of propylene yield that is efficient and makes use of ethylene that is a byproduct of Fischer-Tropsch processes that are employed primarily for production of higher olefins, such as hexene and octene. Thus, it can be carried out in conjunction with already on-line Fischer-Tropsch facilities.