The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has highlighted the need for Nigeria and other African countries to enhance the quality of their shea butter exports.
This call action is due to the fact that many shea products from these regions do not currently meet the required sanitary and phytosanity standard for exports.
The WTO recognizes the untapped potential of the shea industry, particularly in terms of its benefits to local communities and it’s significant role in the livelihood of women involved in the sector.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director -General of WTO, emphasized the importance of expanding the shea value chain beyond just farming and processing during her virtual address at the 2024 Shea Annual Conference organized by Global Shea Alliance.
She pointed out that shea is a major agricultural export for several African countries and that initiatives are underway to assist these nations in improving their shea product quality. This would enable them to meet international standards and thus positively impact their economics.
The WTO, along with the International Trade Centre and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, has been working to build the capacity of local cooperatives to produce high-quality shea butter.
These efforts have led to increased incomes and opportunities for women involved, demonstrating the transformative power of trade.
