The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has officially launched its flagship annual conference SHEA 2026 with the theme, “Beyond Borders” in Tamale.
A standout feature this year is GSA’s collaboration with Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, a national strategy designed to boost productivity, create
jobs, and drive industrial growth by encouraging businesses and services to operate round the clock.
Bringing together industry leaders, women’s co-operatives, private sector actors and development partners, SHEA 2026 provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across the entire shea value chain.
The launch event was officially opened by the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John Mburidiba.
He highlighted the strategic importance of northern Ghana in the global shea industry.
The region is home to millions of shea trees and thousands of women’s livelihoods depend on shea collection and processing, making it a critical hub in the global value chain
SHEA 2026 which will take place from 27–29 April 2026 at the Accra International Conference Centre is expected to bring together stakeholders from across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia to explore new opportunities in trade, investment and innovation in the shea industry.
In its 18th year, the Conference remains the leading global platform for dialogue and business in the shea sector.
The conference will feature panel discussions, training sessions, exhibitions, field visits as well as the Deal Room, a curated space where buyers, suppliers, financiers and service providers can engage in targeted business meetings designed to build partnerships and unlock new commercial opportunities across the shea value chain.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of the GSA Aaron Adu emphasized that the future of the shea sector depends on stronger collaboration, smarter investment and policies that unlock the full potential of the value chain.
“SHEA 2026 will provide the space where these conversations translate into action,” Mr Adu said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, said the sector remains one of the strategic rural economic assets of Northern Ghana.
“The NDA is committed to creating an enabling environment for development partners, private-sector actors, and value chain networks to contribute to national development,” he said
“We would continue to collaborate with partners to position Northern Ghana as a hub for sustainable Shea production and value addition,” he assured.
By Christopher Amoako
