Supporting Women Shea Producers at the Global Shea Alliance Conference 2026

 

The 15th Global Shea Alliance Conference took place this year in Accra, Ghana and brought together governments, financial institutions, manufacturers, exporters, development organizations, and producers from across Africa to discuss the future of the shea industry. Key topics included trade, financing, sustainability, value addition, and expanding opportunities for women-led businesses.

For the women who harvest and process shea in Northern Ghana, attending this conference provides access to people and conversations that can directly influence their future. It’s an opportunity to learn from industry experts, meet potential partners, understand market trends, and build relationships across the shea value chain.

To help make that possible, PB Trade sponsored the participation of 30 women from Maltiti A. Enterprise. Transportation from Tamale, accommodation, meals, and daily logistics were all arranged so the women could fully participate throughout the conference.

Late on the evening before the conference began, Queen Mother Rabiatu received an urgent call. Fifty more women from neighboring communities were travelling to Accra to attend the conference after a journey of almost ten hours. Accommodation had been arranged, but there were no plans for food or refreshments. They were expected to arrive around 2:00 a.m. and leave again at 6:00 a.m. for the conference.

As Queen Mother, she couldn’t ignore the request for help. Supporting one group while another arrived without even a meal would have affected many of the surrounding communities she represents.

PB Trade immediately approved emergency support. Overnight, our 1993 team members arranged a local restaurant to prepare breakfast and dinner for all 50 women before they left for the conference. Funding was provided as quickly as possible, allowing the arrangements to move ahead without delay.

By the start of the first conference session, all 80 women had eaten, travelled to the venue, and were able to participate fully.

The conference highlighted the importance of improving market access, increasing financing for women-led enterprises, strengthening sustainability, and creating more value within Africa’s shea industry. Those discussions matter most when the women who produce shea have the opportunity to be part of them.

Supporting these women was about more than attending a conference. It strengthened relationships across Northern Ghana, created new connections between communities, and reinforced PB Trade’s commitment to helping remove barriers when opportunities arise.