Côte d’Ivoire Seeks to Boost Shea Industry and Women’s Economic Empowerment at First National Shea Fair

Côte d’Ivoire is seeking to strengthen its shea industry, expand local processing and increase the incomes of women who depend on the sector. The first edition of the National Shea Fair (SNKA 2026), which opened in Abidjan on October 13, brought together public officials, industry associations and economic stakeholders to discuss the sector’s development.

In a statement shared during the event, a participant praised the initiative and commended First Lady Dominique Ouattara for her commitment to women’s economic empowerment. The statement also congratulated Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné, the National Federation of Shea in Côte d’Ivoire (FENKACI) and industry stakeholders for their work in developing the sector.

Held on October 13 and 14 at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, the inaugural fair aims to strengthen the shea value chain and increase its contribution to the national economy. More than 1,700 women producers, alongside government representatives, industry professionals and experts, attended the opening ceremony, according to the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP).

The shea industry supports more than 152,000 people in Côte d’Ivoire, most of them women involved in collecting shea nuts and processing them, according to figures presented by the First Lady at the opening ceremony.

Despite their central role, producers do not always receive a sufficient share of the value generated by the industry. Improving their incomes will require better access to financing, modern processing equipment and markets, as well as stronger product quality standards.

Dominique Ouattara called on financial institutions, businesses and development partners to provide greater support to women working in the sector. She also expressed the hope that shea producers would benefit from the Support Fund for Women of Côte d’Ivoire (FAFCI), established in 2012 to help women finance their economic activities.

The First Lady also announced financial and material assistance for producers. According to AIP, the support amounts to 94.49 million CFA francs.

Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Crop Production Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné called for greater processing of shea products within Côte d’Ivoire. The aim is to enable the country to capture a larger share of the value generated by the industry rather than relying primarily on the sale of raw materials.

Côte d’Ivoire’s shea kernel production was estimated at 60,000 tonnes in 2025, according to the Agriculture Ministry. To develop the industry, authorities are emphasizing stronger commercial networks, modern equipment, product certification and the preservation of shea tree parks.

The minister also highlighted progress in research into shea tree domestication. According to figures presented at the fair, grafting techniques have reduced the time required for trees to begin producing fruit from about 25 years to between five and seven years.

Industry stakeholders say the sector’s development will depend on better production organization, stronger processing capacity and access to new commercial markets.

Through the inaugural National Shea Fair, Côte d’Ivoire aims to establish shea as another driver of wealth creation, rural development and women’s economic empowerment.