Côte d’Ivoire Hosts First National Shea Fair with Over 1,700 Women

Côte d’Ivoire launched its first National Shea Fair in Abidjan on 13 October 2026. The event brought together more than 1,700 women from shea-producing regions. According to Abidjan.net’s report on the National Shea Fair, the fair aims to strengthen the shea industry. It also seeks to create more opportunities for women. The two-day event brought together producers, businesses, investors and government officials.

The fair focuses on local processing and business growth. Shea is an important agricultural resource in Côte d’Ivoire. However, many women who collect and process shea nuts receive limited benefits from the final products. The Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) reports that organisers want to increase local processing and improve women’s incomes. They also aim to strengthen cooperatives and improve product quality. These steps could help local businesses reach more markets and create jobs.

The National Shea Fair also highlights the role of women in rural development. Organised by the National Shea Federation of Côte d’Ivoire, the event promotes cooperation across the industry. According to Abidjan.net’s coverage of the opening ceremony, First Lady Dominique Ouattara called for greater support for women in the sector. She also announced support worth 100 million CFA francs for equipment and funding. The initiative aims to boost local production, improve livelihoods and strengthen the shea value chain.