“Shea Expo 2025: A Platform for Inclusive Growth and Economic Empowerment”
"Shea Expo 2025: A Platform for Inclusive Growth and Economic Empowerment"
“Shea Expo 2025: A Platform for Inclusive Growth and Economic Empowerment”
The second World Shea Expo 2025 is set to take place from September 2nd to 4th, 2025, in the vibrant city of Tamale, Ghana. The event is expected to bring together over 8,000 participants, including women cooperatives, youth-led businesses, processors, exporters, international buyers, financial institutions, development agencies, traditional authorities, and the media.
The theme of the expo, “Empowering Women and Youth-Led SMEs in the Shea Value Chain: The Role of Government and Financial Institutions,” reflects the reality that women and youth are crucial players in the shea industry.
Over 1 million women and young people are involved in the shea value chain, from harvesting and processing to product development and marketing. However, many are excluded from meaningful economic returns due to limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, and inadequate policy support.
The Shea Expo 2025 aims to unlock new opportunities in the value chain through exhibitions, panel discussions, investment forums, policy dialogues, training workshops, and field visits.
The event is organized by the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Office of the President, in partnership with Savannah Golden Tree Limited, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Japan ExIm Bank, and other stakeholders.
The 2024 edition of the Shea Expo resulted in over 150 business-to-business linkages, export opportunities worth close to $1 million, and significant progress in standards development for the shea industry. This year’s event aims to double that impact, showcasing Ghana’s potential as a leader in the global shea industry.
Ghana is currently producing an estimated 130,000 to 150,000 metric tons of shea nuts and kernel, valued at $118 million. However, with improved processing and harvesting practices, Ghana can increase its shea production to 400,000 metric tons annually, valued at $640 million.
The 24-hour economy policy will ensure that economic activity is no longer constrained by daylight or outdated infrastructure, providing opportunities for increased processing time, reduced post-harvest losses, and faster market linkages.
The government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to supporting the shea industry through initiatives such as modern processing facilities, mechanized harvesting, cold storage, and all-season logistics. The goal is to create greater employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people, and to increase Ghana’s competitiveness in the global shea market.
Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun online
