Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has inaugurated the third edition of the World Shea Expo, a three-day event currently underway in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region. The expo brings together stakeholders from across the shea value chain, including producers, processors, exporters, researchers, investors, and policymakers, to explore opportunities for growth and collaboration within Ghana’s burgeoning shea industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President underscored the strategic importance of the shea sector to Ghana’s economy, particularly for women and rural communities in the northern belt, where the shea tree grows abundantly and provides livelihoods for thousands of households. She noted that the industry has moved beyond the mere export of raw nuts, and stressed that processing, innovation, investment, and value addition must remain central to its continued growth.
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“We must harness the full potential of the shea value chain. The future of this industry lies not in exporting raw materials, but in building our capacity to process, refine, and innovate — creating jobs, generating wealth, and positioning Ghana as a global leader in shea products,” she stated.
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The Vice President highlighted the role of women, who constitute the backbone of shea harvesting and processing in Ghana, and called for deliberate efforts to empower them with access to finance, modern technology, and fair market opportunities. She also urged investors to take advantage of the sector’s untapped potential, pointing to the growing global demand for shea butter and its derivatives in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
The World Shea Expo, now in its third edition, has become a significant platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business-to-business engagement. This year’s event features exhibitions, panel discussions, product showcases, and training sessions aimed at equipping participants with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the competitive global market. Organizers noted that the expo continues to attract international buyers and partners, further cementing Tamale’s position as the hub of Africa’s shea industry.
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Honourable officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and various industry associations were present at the ceremony, alongside representatives from development partners and financial institutions who have supported the sector over the years.
