Ghana is repositioning its shea industry as a major economic driver under the 24-hour economy policy, with an ambitious new target of producing 400,000 metric tonnes of shea nuts annually—more than doubling current output and potentially generating $640 million in revenue.
This bold agenda was unveiled by Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness, during the official launch of the 2025 World Shea Expo on July 9.
He noted that although Ghana currently leads the world in shea butter exports, only 40% of its annual shea nut potential—estimated between 130,000 and 150,000 metric tonnes—is being harnessed, yielding approximately $118 million.
“This low recovery rate is not due to lack of capacity but a gap in infrastructure, technology, and logistics,” Dr. Otokunor said. “With the introduction of the 24-hour economy policy, we are prioritizing investments that will transform the entire shea value chain.”
To realise the scale-up, the government plans to roll out a package of strategic interventions, including modern processing facilities, mechanized harvesting equipment, cold storage systems, and year-round logistics.
“This is not just an aspiration—it is a feasible transformation plan,” he stressed, adding that improved extraction and post-harvest systems could unlock massive gains for rural economies, women’s cooperatives, and export earnings.
The renewed focus on shea is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to boost productivity in non-traditional export sectors and foster inclusive growth, particularly in northern Ghana where shea is a vital economic resource for thousands of households.
Stakeholders expect the 2025 World Shea Expo to serve as a platform for mobilizing investment, partnerships, and innovation across the shea ecosystem.
