Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for increased investment in the shea industry, stressing an estimated GHS 4.2 billion annual economic value from processing raw shea kernels.
This push for value addition, sustainability, and regional collaboration was a key message at the Global Shea Alliance’s 15th-anniversary conference, SHEA 2026, held in Accra. The Vice President highlighted that the shea sector provides livelihoods for millions in Africa, especially women involved in collection and processing.
The emphasis on processing raw materials into finished products aligns with Ghana's broader industrialisation agenda. Specifically, the government's proposed 24-hour economy initiative aims to support continuous production and trade across critical sectors like shea. This strategic shift moves Ghana beyond exporting raw shea kernels to creating butter for food and cosmetics, thereby generating more jobs and strengthening rural economies.
The Global Shea Alliance, inaugurated in 2011 with 48 members, now boasts over 900 members worldwide. Its Managing Director, Aaron Adu, noted the impressive growth and the organisation's continued focus on market access, sustainability, and policy advocacy. The alliance's journey from 45 founding members in 2010 to a global advocate with delegates from 21 African countries at SHEA 2026 demonstrates its expanding influence.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang underscored the environmental significance of shea parklands, describing them as vital ecosystems. These parklands support biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and enhance climate resilience across the sub-region. Protecting these areas is not only an economic necessity but also an environmental responsibility, she added.
The French Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dimé-Labille, reiterated international support for the shea sector. She stated that shea acts as a crucial source of income and plays a major role in poverty reduction and women's empowerment across Africa. Ambassador Dimé-Labille reaffirmed France's commitment to Ghana's shea sector through partnerships with the European Union and other development agencies.
The Vice President also advocated for greater economic empowerment for women who dominate the shea value chain. She argued that women must benefit more from their labor and the value they create, noting this ensures equity and improves productivity. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for the sector's long-term sustainability and income generation for rural households.
The Global Shea Alliance plans to develop a new strategy focusing on policy, regulatory standards, sustainability impact, market research, and investment promotion. These efforts aim to secure the future of the industry and ensure its continued growth and positive economic impact across Africa, particularly for Ghanaian women engaged in shea activities.