The Global Shea Alliance has officially unveiled its flagship annual conference, SHEA 2026, in Tamale under the theme “Beyond Borders.”
A key highlight of this year’s event is its partnership with Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, a government strategy aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, and accelerating industrial growth through round-the-clock business operations.
SHEA 2026 brings together key stakeholders across the shea value chain, including industry leaders, women’s cooperatives, private sector participants, and development partners, to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration.
The launch ceremony was officiated by the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John Mburidiba, who underscored the importance of northern Ghana in the global shea industry. He noted that the region hosts millions of shea trees and supports the livelihoods of thousands of women involved in shea collection and processing.
The main conference is scheduled to take place from April 27 to 29, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre, and is expected to attract participants from Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation.
Now in its 18th year, the event continues to serve as the leading global platform for engagement and business development within the shea sector.
The conference will feature a range of activities, including panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, field visits, and the Deal Room — a dedicated platform for buyers, suppliers, financiers, and service providers to engage in targeted business interactions and form strategic partnerships.
Managing Director of GSA, Aaron Adu, stressed that the future of the shea industry depends on deeper collaboration, strategic investments, and supportive policies that unlock its full potential, noting that the conference will help turn discussions into actionable outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority, Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, described the shea sector as a vital driver of rural economic development in northern Ghana.
He reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for stakeholders and positioning the region as a hub for sustainable shea production and value addition.
Source: 3news
