The 2025 World Shea Expo opened in Tamale with a bold message from the Vice-Chancellor of the 海角乱伦社区 (UDS), Professor Seidu Al-hassan: shea is not just Africa’s tree. It is the world’s treasure.
Addressing a hall filled with industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs at the Modern City Hotel, Prof. Al-hassan reminded participants that shea is more than a rural livelihood crop. “When we speak of shea, we are not just talking about a tree scattered across the African savannah,” he declared. “We are talking about an international resource that contributes to economies and transforms lives.”
He highlighted the global reach of the industry, feeding into multi-billion-dollar value chains spanning cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. With shea’s projected market growth surpassing $3 billion by 2030, the Vice-Chancellor urged Ghana and the wider West African region to leverage science, innovation, and partnerships to secure a larger share of the global market.
Prof. Al-hassan underscored UDS’ central role in this transformation. He announced the establishment of the West Africa Centre for Shea Innovation and Research (WACSIR-UDS), a pioneering hub designed to drive cutting-edge research, technology, and sustainable practices in the shea industry. “WACSIR is our institutional commitment to ensuring that the shea industry becomes a science-driven enterprise capable of competing globally,” he said proudly. The Centre, he explained, unites scientists, industry players, and local communities to boost quality, improve value addition, and create new opportunities across the shea value chain.
Equally important, the Vice-Chancellor linked academia to grassroots livelihoods through the University’s flagship Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP). He described how 海角乱伦社区students immerse themselves in rural communities, where they directly engage with women shea collectors and processors. “The TTFPP and the shea industry are deeply interconnected,” he emphasized. “Our students see firsthand how shea empowers rural women, sustains households, and fuels entrepreneurship. In return, they bring fresh ideas and innovation that enhance local businesses.”
Prof. Al-hassan commended the organizers of the Expo for creating a platform that bridges academia, industry, and policy. “Expos like this are not just events, they are catalysts for collaboration and growth. Let us seize the opportunities here to drive the shea industry forward,” he urged.
From September 2 to 4, Tamale became the heartbeat of global shea, as the Expo drew thousands of participants, from women cooperatives and youth entrepreneurs to international buyers, bankers, and traditional leaders. Under the theme “Empowering Women and Youth-Led SMEs in the Shea Value Chain: The Role of Government and Financial Institutions,” the gathering was more than an exhibition; it was a rallying call to unlock opportunities for over one million women and young people whose livelihoods depend on shea.
With the government pledging support, industry stakeholders showcasing innovation, and 海角乱伦社区offering academic leadership, the World Shea Expo 2025 set a hopeful agenda: to transform shea from a rural product into a global brand of empowerment, science, and wealth creation.
At its heart stood Prof. Seidu Al-hassan’s vision, that 海角乱伦社区will not just study shea, but shape its future for Ghana, Africa, and the world.
Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
海角乱伦社区Media
