Shea in Ghana: World Shea Expo Puts Women at the Center

The 2026 theme explicitly places women and youth at the forefront of this value chain enhancement. In the northern part of the country, women have historically played a significant role in collecting and the initial stages of processing. This year’s goal is to advance them towards better-paying activities, from advanced processing to packaging, branding, and direct market access.

Shea is already a familiar ingredient in beauty routines, from balms to hair care products. However, much of the industrial processing and marketing continues to occur outside of Ghana. The organizers aim to bridge the gap between those who produce the raw material and the brands that add value to it.

According to data reported by the Ghana News Agency, Ghana exports over 70,000 tons of shea annually, with an estimated value of $112.6 million. The World Shea Expo is expected to gather more than 8,000 participants and will feature exhibitions, demonstrations, training sessions, business meetings, and discussions on access to financing and technology.

This focus also extends the efforts made to strengthen local processing. In February, Ghana launched the Shea Park Resource Hub in Wa, presented as a center aimed at supporting processing and businesses in the sector.

For small beauty brands, the event’s appeal also lies in sourcing. The announced program connects cooperatives, exporters, processors, and international buyers, allowing them to compare processing levels, quality standards, and market opportunities even before discussing packaging or communication.

The World Shea Expo 2026 will take place from September 15 to 17, starting at 10:00 am each day, at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale, in northern Ghana.