West Africa expands shea nut processing
The shea nut harvest season has begun in Benin, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. Alongside rising harvest volumes, these West African countries are tightening export controls on shea nuts and raw shea butter while seeking to develop domestic processing capabilities.
Various restrictive measures have been implemented across the region. For instance, Mali, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire have imposed export bans to ensure a greater supply of raw material for local processing facilities.
Benin permits trade but levies a high export tax. In Togo, exports are also allowed but require prior authorization and are subject to taxation.
Ghana’s market remains the most open to international buyers, although authorities announced plans as early as July 2025 to gradually restrict the export of raw shea nuts.
Despite these restrictive measures, demand for shea kernels remains high. Shea butter exports are growing steadily and are already partially replacing kernel exports, particularly in shipments to Europe and India.
ECOFINAGENCY
