AAK has started giving over GHS 170 million to women who collect shea nuts. This money is a pre-financing payment. It is for the 2026 shea season. The payments will go to women in Northern Ghana. This helps them prepare for the shea season. It also makes their incomes more stable.
The Kolo Nafaso program supports these women. It is the world's largest program for directly sourcing any farm crop. By April 2026, the program has 275,000 women. This is a big increase from 230,000 women in January 2026. The pre-financing is free. It does not have any interest. Women do not have to sell their shea nuts to AAK. They can choose who to sell to.
This initiative fits into Ghana's plans for agribusiness growth. The shea industry is important for the country. It provides jobs and income for many. The government is working to boost agricultural exports. This pre-financing helps farmers manage difficult financial periods. It allows them to buy seeds and prepare their farms. This is crucial for increasing crop yields and ensuring consistent supply.
Mr. Bernard Awopone, the Kolo Nafaso Program Manager at AAK, explained the program's goal. "Kolo Nafaso is about building a system that works for women season after season," he said. He added, "The pre-financing is one of the most tangible expressions of that commitment." This provides immediate help. It also helps women grow stronger over time.
AAK will continue these payments in other communities. This support will reach hundreds of thousands of women. It ensures they are ready for the main harvest. This approach links AAK's business success with social benefits. It makes the supply chain stronger. It also helps the economy grow and improves lives in Ghana's shea-growing areas. Representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry visited AAK operations in Tamale. They saw how the pre-financing reaches women directly.