Stakeholders Rally Behind Ghana’s Shea 2026 Conference

Tamale, March 18, – The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has mobilised key players across government, the private sector, women’s groups, and development partners to support the upcoming “Shea 2026: Beyond Borders” conference.

Set for April 27–29, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre, the conference aims to boost investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the global shea industry. Participants from Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia will explore trade, value addition, and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

The event will feature panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, field visits, and a “Deal Room” to encourage targeted business deals between buyers, suppliers, and financiers.

At the launch in Tamale, stakeholders highlighted the Northern Region’s strategic importance as a major shea production hub.

Mr Julius Awaregya, Executive Committee Member of GSA, said the conference would provide a global platform to strengthen partnerships, respond to policy changes, and expand markets for food, cosmetics, and industrial products. He noted that GSA’s 849 members across 36 countries continue to promote sustainable production and quality standards.

The launch also emphasised collaboration with Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, designed to create jobs, increase productivity, and accelerate exports. Mr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor, said the Shea Value Chain Programme is expected to generate over 72,000 jobs, particularly for women, while improving productivity through modern equipment like milling machines and hydraulic presses.

Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, stressed the sector’s role in women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and national economic growth, and urged value chain integration to connect rural collectors with processors and exporters, enhancing incomes and sustainability.

Hajia Rabiatu Abdul Karim, President of the Ghana Shea Employers Association, encouraged stakeholders to support women in the sector to attend the conference, expressing confidence that the event would turn dialogue into tangible investments, strengthen livelihoods, and elevate Ghana’s position in the global shea market.

GHBUSS

18 March 2026