Over 300 horticultural exhibitors convened at Accra International Conference Centre from June 11-13, 2025, for Ghana’s second Horticulture Expo.
Jointly organized by the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters and Ghana Export Promotion Authority with Ghana Exim Bank, the event promoted export opportunities in fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
Under the theme ‘Innovate, transform, sustain’, it facilitated networking and panel discussions focused on Ghana’s US$3.8 billion non-traditional export sector.
Industrial shea processor Nuts for Growth Ltd. (N4G) demonstrated its operations at the event. Attendees sampled shea products and learned about its Women for Change supply chain program. “Our experience proves Ghana can lead in sustainable agribusiness,” stated founder and CEO Dora Haborsutei Torwiseh. “But no single company can transform an ecosystem. We invite stakeholders to join this movement.”
Ghana maintains a leading position in shea butter exports following the European Union’s 2000 approval of shea as a cocoa butter equivalent. Growing global chocolate demand at 4.0 percent CAGR continues to pressure artisanal production capacity.
Nuts for Growth implements technology including solvent extraction systems meeting international standards. Its Women for Change initiative involves 81,000 women and youth across 270 cooperatives, with blockchain traceability added for EU compliance. The company converts 100% of processing waste into steam energy and fertilizer while recycling 95% of water. Research initiatives include developing shea-based poultry feed formulations.
The company employs over 450 workers across three shifts to support Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative. A planned 2026 soya mill will add approximately 300 jobs. Torwiseh outlined necessary conditions for sector growth: “Government should develop industrial policy ensuring year-round nut supply. We must expand rural livelihoods for 300,000 women and youth. Accessible growth capital through blended finance remains critical for capturing Ghana’s share of the US$2.75 billion global shea market.”
The expo concluded as Ghana’s horticulture sector seeks to upgrade traditional commodity processing amid global demand growth and infrastructure limitations, positioning value-added exports as essential for economic development.
