Mr. Aaron Adu, the Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), has officially launched the SHEA 2026 conference, signaling a massive industrial pivot for one of West Africa’s most resilient economic sectors. The 18th edition of this international platform, themed “Beyond Borders,” is scheduled to take place from April 27–29, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Organized in collaboration with Shea Network Ghana, the launch event in Tamale served as a high-level strategic briefing, outlining how the shea value chain will be integrated into the 24-Hour Economy initiative to drive round-the-clock productivity, job creation, and industrial growth across Northern Ghana and the wider Sahel.
“The conference seeks to support a national strategy to boost productivity, create jobs and drive industrial growth through round-the-clock economic activity. It will focus on improving livelihoods for women shea processors and producers while promoting cross-border collaboration”
Mr. Aaron Adu, Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance
The transition from a seasonal, raw-export model to a modernized, industrial powerhouse is the central pillar of the SHEA 2026 agenda, and focusing on international markets will dismantle the trade barriers that have historically limited the movement of shea products within the sub-region.
For the thousands of women who form the backbone of this industry, the conference represents a shift toward value addition – ensuring that the “women’s gold,” of the north is processed into high-value butter and finished cosmetic products before it leaves the continent.
The choice of Tamale for the launch was a deliberate recognition of the Northern Region as the primary engine of shea production. Northern Regional Minister Hon. Ali Adolf John described the shea tree not just as a plant, but as a “vital economic resource,” that underpins the food security and livelihoods of millions.
Under the 24-Hour Economy mandate, the vision is to move beyond daytime gathering and sun-drying to 24-hour industrial processing plants. This shift is expected to maximize the output of the region’s existing resources and provide stable, year-round income for rural households.
Minister Ali Adolf John emphasized that the survival of the sector depends on protecting the shea parklands while simultaneously expanding export potential. This requires a regional collaboration strategy that prevents the exploitation of processors and ensures that the economic gains of the shea trade are felt at the local level.
The SHEA 2026 conference will serve as the technical incubator for these policies, bringing together global brands and local producers to align their supply chains with Ghana’s new industrial standards.
Investment and Strategy
One of the most anticipated features of the upcoming April conference is the “deal room,” a dedicated space designed to facilitate direct business partnerships and investment opportunities.
Hon. Ibrahim Tia, the North-East Regional Minister, called for a surge in private sector investment to move the sector away from subsistence and toward high-scale commercial viability, as the “deal room,” will allow local MSMEs to pitch directly to international investors, bridging the gap between small-scale production and global demand.
The Northern Development Authority (NDA), led by CEO Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the north as a sustainable hub for shea production.
The NDA’s role is to provide the organizational infrastructure – including improved roads to farm gates and reliable power for processing plants – that will allow the 24-hour production model to thrive. By centralizing these efforts under the SHEA 2026 banner, the government and the GSA are creating a one-stop shop for investors looking to tap into the lucrative global cosmetics and food industries.
“Stronger collaboration, targeted investment and enabling policies are critical to unlocking the full potential of the shea value chain. The conference will address evolving regional policies and promote business-to-business engagement to enhance competitiveness and long-term industry resilience”
Mr. Aaron Adu, Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance
Also at the heart of the SHEA 2026 conference is the empowerment of the women who process the shea nuts. For decades, these women have operated at the margins of the global market, often receiving only a fraction of the final product’s value.
The theme “Beyond Borders” refers to more than just geography; it refers to breaking the social and economic borders that have kept women processors in poverty. The GSA is advocating for enabling policies that provide these women with better equipment, financial literacy, and direct access to international buyers.
Mr. Aaron Adu noted that the conference will specifically address the “evolving regional policies,” that impact women’s ability to trade.
The 18th edition of the conference arrives at a time when global supply chains are increasingly under pressure from climate change and shifting trade regulations.
The SHEA 2026 platform will bring together policy-makers and innovators to discuss “resilient supply chains,” including the introduction of drought-resistant shea varieties and more efficient processing technologies that reduce water and fuel consumption.
Innovation in the “Shea Expo,” will showcase these new technologies, proving that traditional industries can be modernized without losing their heritage.
READ ALSO: BoG Applauds New Women-Focused Banking Revolution
