| February 29, 2024 |
SFC Shares Success Story and Explores Future Opportunities at West Africa Trade Hub Learning Event

On February 28th, SFC’s Production Manager and Head of Sustainability had the opportunity to participate in a powerful learning event hosted by the West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (WATIH) in Accra, Ghana.

This significant event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering connections, and collaboration within the West African private sector that was involved with the WATIH grants and the WATIH team itself. It showcased the impactful work of USAID’s WATIH and its co-investment partners, including SFC, towards achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region.

The event featured three insightful panel sessions, that included individual presentations from nine WATIH grantees. As one of the 13 grantees in Ghana and 83 across West Africa, SFC was honored to be highlighted and participate in Panel 2: Inclusive Export-Driven Agro-Development.

Alongside representatives from 8 Degrees North (palm oil processing) and ShEquity (supporting female entrepreneurs), SFC discussed crucial themes like scaling operations, building partnerships, and upholding ethical values such as environmental stewardship and gender inclusivity.

This event presented a valuable opportunity for SFC to share the success story of our 2.5-year “Shea Gets Greener” project. We also had the privilege of engaging with key stakeholders, including the USAID Trade Hub Chief of Party, Robin Wheeler, GoG (Government of Ghana) officials, USAID representatives, investors, and AfCFTA representatives. Our partnership with Shea Moisture brand through the Sofi Tucker Foundation helped make this project possible.

SFC explored the possibility of future collaborations with USAID as we presented our future project goals. A potential partnership  in the future could provide vital funding and support for our upcoming endeavors.

We express our deep gratitude to our field and administrative staff whose dedication has been instrumental in the success of the “Shea Gets Greener” project. As we approach project completion in April 2024, March and April will be filled with end-of-project activities and grant reporting. We also look forward to the upcoming refresher trainings on organic and fair for life practices, another exciting aspect of the “Shea Gets Greener” journey.

Stay tuned for further updates on SFC’s journey towards a sustainable and equitable future for the local West African shea butter industry.