Export Development Programme for shea butter from Nigeria

The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN) and the Shea Nuts Buyers Consortium (SNBC), engaged Globally Cool to strengthen and future-proof Nigeria’s shea export ecosystem. The overall long-term vision of this project is to contribute to a transition in the Nigerian shea sector. Namely that the sector is able to transform to generating high-value and sustainably produced shea products for regional and EU markets, generating decent jobs for women and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Nigeria is the world’s biggest producer of shea nuts, accounting for some 53 percent of the world’s output. Despite its huge potential, Nigeria’s shea industry is falling behind compared to neighbouring countries with lower shea production. Key factors in this are the lack of processing facilities, substandard processing capabilities, fragmentation of sector stakeholders and a lack of supporting services.

The project’s goal is to enable a group of Nigerian frontrunner SMEs and cooperatives to establish themselves in the EU and regional markets with business models focused on shea that is fairly sourced from women producers.

Activities

This project consists of two phases. Part of phase one is the assessment of Business Support Organisations (BSOs) and we worked on the activities below:

• Conducted needs assessment research amongst stakeholders to identify service delivery needs of actors in the value chain.
• Supported sector stakeholders in working together on strategy development by facilitating roundtables and joint working sessions.
• Supported the sharing of lessons learnt by exporting organisations in the implementation of sustainable and inclusive business models with the sector.
• Co-created an action plan with the stakeholders in Nigeria, defining next steps and project activities.

In 2024, activities included:

• Developed the SNBC Governance Manual: Focused on establishing governance structures, defining roles, responsibilities, and bylaws for SNBC to enhance transparency and accountability.
• Mapped and engaged sponsors: Identified potential sponsors across sectors and created tailored proposals to highlight the value of supporting Nigeria's shea sector.
• Developed an online branding platform: Designed and launched a website to showcase Nigerian shea products, supplier profiles, and connect producers with international buyers.

In 2025, activities included:

• Strengthened institutional coordination. We supported the integration of SNBC under NEPC and aligned cooperation with NASPAN. A Memorandum of Understanding was finalised, clarifying roles and strengthening governance of the shea sector.
• Improved market access and trade show readiness. We prepared NEPC and sector stakeholders for In-Cosmetics 2025 through structured messaging, buyer engagement support and coordinated participation, strengthening Nigeria’s international market position.
• Developed promotional materials. We drafted and guided the production of a promotional video highlighting programme achievements and exporter success stories, supporting international promotion.
• Enhanced digital visibility. Targeted content and success cases were developed for the Shea Nigeria platform to strengthen credibility and online outreach.
• Structured value chain linkages. We assessed NEPC’s exporter support services and identified priority improvements, including quality support, certification guidance, digital marketing and stronger buyer follow-up.
• Initiated gender-responsive improvements. A gender assessment of NEPC services was launched to identify barriers and inform a forthcoming Gender Action Plan to strengthen women’s participation in the shea value chain.