Could Ethiopia's Shea Butter Become a Global Commodity?

A unique resource is thriving in Ethiopia's Gambella region, one that could transform local livelihoods and elevate the country's position in a global market worth billions. The shea tree, a source of the highly valued shea butter, is abundant in the area, offering a new path for economic development.

Eliya village, located 37 km from Gambella city in the Itang Special Woreda, is where the production of shea butter is a long-standing tradition. Women in the community have been processing what they call "Wodo Kibbe" for generations.

According to local resident Ojo Moger, the work is so demanding that it is done collaboratively. The shea tree's bounty is a long-term investment. It can take up to 30 years for a single tree to begin producing a significant harvest, but once it does, it can yield up to 40 kg of fruit and continue producing for more than a century.

The traditional extraction process is a testament to the community's dedication: After the fruit is picked, the outer pulp is consumed, and the inner nuts are dried and roasted. The roasted nuts are then pounded in a mortar until the oil is released, a laborious process women do in shifts. The pounded paste is then boiled in hot water, a critical step that allows the rich shea butter to separate and rise to the surface. The resulting product is used by the local community for a variety of purposes—from cooking and medicinal applications to skincare.

While the traditional method is time-honored, it is also highly inefficient. This challenge has prompted intervention from the Bio and Energy Institute. According to researcher Biruk Asayie, the institute is working to introduce machinery that would replace the strenuous manual process. Professor Kassahun Tesfaye, Director-General of the Bio and Energy Technology Institute, emphasized Ethiopia's vast potential in shea butter production. He stated that the institute’s research aims to boost extraction efficiency from a traditional 20% to an impressive 80%, paving the way for large-scale, commercial production.

Shea butter is a prized ingredient in international markets, with a high demand in the cosmetics industry for products like lotions and balms. It is also a key component in the food industry, used as a flavor enhancer in chocolate and cake production. With its abundant natural resources and emerging technological advancements, Ethiopia is positioned to become a major player in this lucrative global industry.