The 2024 World Shea Expo has officially opened in Tamale, providing a valuable platform for shea farmers and processing companies to exchange ideas and strategize on advancing the industry. The three-day event, which began on August 10 under the theme “Shea Sustainability Expo 2024: Nurturing Growth, Empowering Communities,” has brought together stakeholders from around the world to focus on innovation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment within the shea sector.
The expo offers an opportunity for shea farmers, processors, researchers, and financial institutions to collaborate and share knowledge, with a special emphasis on promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. These themes are recognized as essential for the long-term success of the shea industry, which plays a significant role in the economic lives of women in northern Ghana. Often referred to as “women’s gold,” shea provides employment and income for thousands, particularly through the production of shea butter and shea nuts, which are in high demand globally, especially in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food sectors.
Despite its potential, Ghana has yet to fully maximize the benefits of the shea industry. Economically, shea contributes significantly to Ghana’s export earnings, with annual exports exceeding 70,000 tons and valued at over $112 million. The shea tree is also vital for maintaining ecosystem balance in the northern regions, and the expo is focused on promoting sustainable harvesting and conservation practices.
A Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mohammed Hardi Tuferu, representing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, spoke on the government’s commitment to advancing the shea industry. He stressed on the need to embrace new technologies, sustainable practices, and market access strategies to ensure that communities benefit fully from the shea sector. “We must invest in research and development to enhance the quality of our shea products and explore new markets,” he said.
The growth of the shea industry is seen as a key driver for uplifting the rural economies of northern Ghana, creating wealth, and reducing poverty in the region. The expo is set to showcase Ghanaian shea products on international platforms, including the upcoming Canada Africa Trade and Innovation Expo in Ontario, Canada. This initiative is expected to open new markets for Ghanaian shea, further boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings and elevating the global profile of Ghanaian shea farmers.
