Hamamat set sights on expanding shea products to Ethiopia

The Ghanaian Ambassador for Shea Butter, Hamamat Monita, has disclosed plans to expand her range of shea butter products into Ethiopia as part of a broader strategy to empower women economically and create sustainable jobs.

She made the announcement during a meeting with Asaye Alemayehu (PhD), Acting Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Accra, who welcomed the initiative and pledged the Embassy’s support to help her penetrate the Ethiopian market.

Dr. Alemayehu described Hamamat’s expansion plans as a significant intra‑Africa economic opportunity, particularly given Ethiopia’s large population and growing consumer market. He emphasised that strengthening business linkages between Ghana and Ethiopia could contribute to deeper bilateral trade and mutual economic growth, reflecting the broader vision for increased African trade integration.

Hamamat’s prospective expansion into East Africa comes at a time when Ethiopia is emerging as a shea‑producing country, with estimates suggesting the nation produces between 60,000 and 80,000 metric tonnes of raw shea nuts annually, representing less than 3% of Africa’s total output, according to industry researchers. While still a relatively small producer compared to West African countries, Ethiopia’s market potential is attracting attention from regional entrepreneurs and exporters.

By contrast, Ghana remains one of the largest shea‑producing countries in West Africa, with annual shea nut production estimated at approximately 130,000–150,000 metric tonnes. Recent data indicate that the combined export value of shea nuts and shea butter from Ghana exceeds $118 million annually, with government projections targeting 400,000 tonnes of output and $640 million in export value by 2026 if production and processing capacities are expanded.

Hamamat Monita’s expansion strategy is widely seen as a forward‑looking trade initiative that positions private African entrepreneurs at the centre of intra‑continental value chains. This comes amid broader regional efforts, including in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, to ban raw shea exports and increase local processing to capture greater value.

Despite its potential, Ethiopia’s shea value chain remains fragmented, with inconsistent quality and limited certification hindering its ability to enter premium cosmetic and food‑grade markets. Hamamat’s entry, backed by Ghana’s deep experience in shea production and marketing, is expected to help bridge these gaps, particularly through mentorship, quality assurance, and market linkage support.

Hamamat’s influence in the sector gained global visibility during a high‑profile moment when American streamer IShowSpeed featured her Shea Butter Museum as the final stop on his Ghana tour. The event generated international attention and contributed to Hamamat’s elevation as a prominent ambassador for Ghana’s shea industry.

Shea production in Ethiopia is predominantly concentrated in the lowland regions of Benishangul‑Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, and parts of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). Women play a central role in the sector, collecting and processing shea nuts, making Hamamat’s planned investment particularly impactful for community livelihoods in rural areas and in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is also taking steps to improve its shea processing efficiency, with industry stakeholders aiming to increase extraction rates from approximately 20% to 80% through mechanisation and training. This aligns with global market trends: in 2024, the global shea butter market was valued at USD 2.41 billion, and forecasts predict it will reach USD 3.75 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Hamamat Monita’s expansion into the Ethiopian shea market represents both an economic opportunity and a symbolic advancement for African‑led development in agricultural value chains. By leveraging Ghana’s expertise and Ethiopia’s emerging market potential, the initiative underscores the importance of intra‑Africa trade, women’s economic empowerment, and the shared benefits of regional cooperation in agribusiness.

Source: Diplomatic Times