Collins Sefa The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has announced a €4 million investment to strengthen Ghana’s shea industry, focusing on empowering local producers—especially women—and enhancing the sector’s entrepreneurial potential.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted board of PBC Shea Limited in Accra, MoFA Minister Eric Opoku said the funding would build the capacity of producers to increase the yield and quality of shea nuts this year. “We from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture have committed €4 million to build the capacity of our producers of shea to increase the production of nuts this year,” he said. An agreement between MoFA and the African Development Bank is expected to be signed soon to formalize the investment.
Highlighting the entrepreneurial significance of shea, Mr. Opoku noted that over 600,000 women are engaged in the harvesting, processing, and marketing of shea products, making the industry a critical source of income and rural economic empowerment. He emphasized the need for strategic partnerships between PBC Shea Limited and local farmers to ensure a ready market for their produce and secure financial stability for small-scale producers.
Mr. Opoku also called on the board of PBC Shea Limited to champion value addition, boost exports, and unlock the sector’s potential to increase foreign earnings. Ghana earned $92.6 million from shea butter exports in 2022, but the minister expressed confidence that with improved processing and investment, revenue could exceed $500 million annually. He added that Ghana remains the global leader in premium-quality shea butter, with the global market projected to grow from $2.75 billion to $5.58 billion by 2033.
Rev. Fant Lambon Aaron, the new Board Chairman of PBC Shea Limited, pledged to revive the company and align with the government’s 24-hour economy vision. “Our vision is clear—to position PBC Shea Limited as a leading force in shea processing, a creator of jobs, a builder of industries, and a contributor to Ghana’s growing reputation for agro-processing excellence,” he said. Rev. Aaron revealed that the company plans to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, prioritizing opportunities for women and youth in rural communities.
