Ghana plans to restrict the export of raw shea nuts. This move aims to keep more of the shea industry’s profits within the country. The announcement came during the launch of the World Shea Expo 2026. The expo will be held in the Upper West Region.
This strategy is part of a larger effort to increase value addition in Ghana's shea sector. Many women in northern Ghana depend on shea nuts for their income. The government wants them to benefit more from processing. The Upper West Region was chosen for the expo launch to support production areas directly. This reinforces a government commitment to supporting the shea value chain.
Ghana currently earns substantial revenue from shea exports. However, the country also spends heavily on imported shea oil and processed nuts. In 2023, Ghana earned about GHS 1.93 billion from shea exports. Yet, it imported GHS 1.86 billion of shea oil. It also imported GHS 1.35 billion of raw shea nuts. This creates a significant trade imbalance. The government views this situation as unsustainable. The planned export restrictions aim to reverse this trend.
The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, highlighted the imbalance. He stated, “This means that while we produce, others process and profit more. This imbalance is not sustainable, and it is exactly what we are determined to change.” The government also plans to use the 24-Hour Economy policy. This policy will help increase processing capacity. It will also reduce losses after harvesting.
Protection of the shea tree itself is also a major concern. The Member of Parliament for Wa East, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, stressed the need for local laws. These laws will protect shea trees from environmental damage. He stated, “The shea tree is a climate-resilient economic lifeline for Northern Ghana.” Safeguarding the raw material is crucial for future processing success.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) supports this vision. Its Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ambrose Edwin Nsarkoh, mentioned plans to aid local processors. They will help these processors reach international markets. Ghana already holds a significant share of the global shea industry. This industry is valued at $6.4 billion. GEPA aims to process at least 50 percent of raw materials locally. This target is part of a broader goal to reach $10 billion in non-traditional export revenue by 2030.
The World Shea Expo has a history of success. The previous expo attracted nearly 8,000 participants. These participants came from 16 countries. They featured 136 exhibitors. Women made up 82 percent of attendees. Youth represented 64 percent. These figures show the industry's inclusive nature.
The government aims to boost processing activities. This will create jobs and economic opportunities. Restrictions on raw nut exports could lead to more investment in processing plants. This could also improve the skills of local workers. The success of this strategy will depend on effective policy implementation. It will also require strong support for local businesses and farmers. The World Shea Expo 2026 will be a key event to monitor progress.