The Ghanaian government plans a phased ban on raw shea nut exports by 2026, aiming to enhance value addition in the shea industry. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, from the Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, announced this at the World Shea Expo 2025 press launch. The policy is expected to promote local shea processing, boost export revenues, and solidify Ghana's agro-industrial base.
"The Mahama-led administration is taking bold policy steps to correct structural imbalances in the sector. By 2026, the government will implement a phased ban on the export of raw shea nuts. Ghana must move from being a raw material exporter to a nation of value-added exports," stated Dr. Otokunor. This local-first approach is projected to allow processors to grow their capacity and compete internationally. "This ban will allow local processors to expand, build capacity, and build export-ready brands that capture higher earnings in the international market. The shea tree, which takes about twenty years to mature, is not a renewable firewood source. They are a strategic national resource," he added.
Efforts include the rehabilitation of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory. Previously neglected, the facility is being revamped to process 60 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually, with a peak capability of 180,000 metric tonnes. "It can create 300 to 1,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs. This has the potential to anchor a network of smallholder cooperatives across the five regions," said Dr. Otokunor.
The upcoming World Shea Expo 2025 looks to unite industry entities, policymakers, and investors to explore growth in Ghana's shea sector.
Source: CNR
