Organisers of the World Shea Expo have briefed the media and other stakeholders ahead of this year’s event, scheduled for 15th to 17th September.
The Expo is being held under the theme, “From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women- and Youth-Led Value Addition in Shea.”
Organisers say the initiative seeks to transform Ghana’s shea industry from the export of raw commodities into a value-added sector capable of producing globally competitive brands while ensuring that women and communities at the heart of production benefit from the wealth created.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the Expo, Project Manager of the World Shea Expo, Eric Banye, said the programme is designed to connect locally produced shea products to premium international markets.
He cited shea butter produced by women in communities such as Kumbungu as an example of products that could eventually reach markets in Europe and other parts of the world.
Mr. Banye said the initiative will, however, ensure that the women and communities responsible for producing the shea are recognised and benefit from the value created.
He said last year’s Expo recorded significant participation and industry engagement, attracting more than 8,000 participants from 16 countries.
A total of 136 exhibitors showcased about 716 shea-related products, with women accounting for 82 percent of participants and the youth representing 64 percent.
The event also attracted government agencies, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, academic institutions, traditional leaders, media houses and more than 500 SMEs.
According to the organisers, over 10,000 business-to-business linkages were facilitated, connecting buyers, sellers, investors and businesses within the shea value chain.
Mr. Banye also drew attention to the safety challenges confronting women shea collectors in rural communities, particularly the risk of snakebites.
He said many women enter shea parklands early in the morning and sometimes work barefoot or with inadequate footwear, exposing them to potentially fatal snakebites.
He said government has provided 20,000 personal protective equipment items, including protective boots and gloves, to women across the five northern regions as part of efforts to improve their safety and welfare.
Chairing the press briefing, Abukari Alhassan, called for a fundamental transformation of West Africa’s shea industry from one largely focused on producing and exporting raw materials into a value-added, innovative, inclusive and sustainable sector.
He said Ghana and other West African countries must move beyond exporting shea kernels and butter and invest in finished products, technology, product development, packaging, certification, branding and access to premium international markets.
Mr. Alhassan said although women have historically played a central role in shea collection, processing and trading, their participation must go beyond production.
He called for greater support to enable women to become entrepreneurs, manufacturers, exporters, brand owners and industry leaders, allowing them to capture a greater share of the economic value they create.
He also stressed the need to position shea as a platform for modern innovation rather than simply a traditional commodity.
On sustainability, Mr. Alhassan said environmental protection should not be treated merely as a cost to farmers but should instead create new income and economic opportunities for communities.
For his part, Alhaji Imoro Issifu Alhassan urged the media to tell and promote the story of Ghana’s shea industry to the international community.
He said the sector has enormous economic potential and could generate millions of dollars for the country if properly developed and promoted.
He therefore called for stronger media visibility for Ghana’s shea products, producers and businesses to help attract international markets and investment.
The upcoming World Shea Expo 2026, scheduled for 15th to 17th September, is expected to receive high-level government support, with the Vice President representing the Presidency.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
