Ghana’s Shea Industry Set for Transformation: World Shea Expo 2025 Launched
The Office of the President, through Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), has launched the 2nd World Shea Expo 2025, scheduled to take place in Tamale from September 2nd to 4th. The expo aims to transform Ghana’s shea industry into a powerful vehicle for inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and global competitiveness.
Empowering Women and Youth
The theme of this year’s expo is “Empowering Women and Youth-Led SMEs in the Shea Value Chain: The Role of Government and Financial Institutions.” The event will bring together key stakeholders, including women cooperatives, youth-led businesses, processors, exporters, international buyers, financial institutions, and development agencies.
Boosting Production and Exports
Ghana is currently the top global exporter of shea butter, producing an estimated 130,000 to 150,000 metric tons of shea nuts annually, valued at approximately $118 million. The government aims to increase production to 400,000 metric tons annually, valued at $640 million, through investments in modern processing facilities, mechanized harvesting, and all-season logistics.
Reviving Industrial Assets
The government has begun rehabilitation efforts on the Buipe Shea Processing Factory, which was established in 2012. Once operational, the factory is expected to process over 60,000 metric tons of shea nuts annually and create between 300 to 1,000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs.
Policy Interventions
The government will implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts by 2026, allowing local processors to expand and build capacity. Additionally, PIAA will work with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to supply viable shea seedlings to grow new plantations and replace those lost to bushfires and deforestation.
Expected Outcomes
The expo is expected to empower over 200 SMEs and youth-led businesses, generate millions in investment leads, facilitate over 150 business-to-business partnerships, and enhance policy dialogue across sectors. The event will also contribute to Ghana’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, climate action, and biodiversity protection.
Call to Action
The Director of PIAA, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has called on the private sector to invest in the shea industry, development partners to collaborate on funding innovation and infrastructure, and financial institutions to create innovative financial tools for women cooperatives and youth-led SMEs. The media is also encouraged to promote the Ghana shea story, highlighting the industry’s potential for transformation and growth.
