Nuts for Growth (N4G), an Agro-Processing Company based in Tamale, has successfully empowered more than 81,000 women in the Northern Region through its Inclusive Shea Sourcing and Tricycle Support Programme. This initiative is part of N4G’s ongoing commitment to engage more women in the shea nut value chain, which plays a critical role in both local livelihoods and the country’s agricultural economy.
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Transforming the Shea Nut Value Chain
Ms. Dora Haborsutei Torwiseh, the CEO of N4G, shared these accomplishments during a recent visit by Dr. Peter Bramah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA). She highlighted the company’s state-of-the-art shea butter processing facility, which can process 450 metric tons per day alongside a 300-metric-ton kernel crushing line. This robust infrastructure supports a dynamic network of women across the shea value chain, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials.
N4G founded 12 years ago, has grown to become one of West Africa’s largest women-led oilseed processing companies, playing a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural transformation. As a woman-led driver of industrial change, the company is making significant strides in empowering women and driving economic growth.
Expansion Plans and Economic Growth
The company has ambitious expansion plans aimed at increasing its economic impact. N4G is focused on creating a 24-hour economy. It aims to employ 900 people daily, train 200 youth annually, and achieve a $500 million turnover within five years. These efforts align with the company’s vision to transition from raw exports to high-value processing, which is expected to increase exports by 40% and generate over $50 million in foreign exchange annually.
Government Support for Continued Growth
Ms Torwiseh called for increased government support to help N4G scale up its initiatives and empower more women and youth, particularly in the northern regions of Ghana. She emphasised the importance of continued investment and government support to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.
In response, Dr Otokunor commended the company for its impressive investments in the shea industry, recognising it as a key driver of the export market and the country’s overall economic development. He assured the company that the government was committed to supporting its growth and job creation efforts, particularly under the 24-hour economy initiative, which is expected to employ over 12,000 people when fully operational.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
The success of N4G in the shea value chain has garnered attention beyond Ghana. Dr Otokunor announced that, due to the company’s success, the PIAA office, in collaboration with Savannah Golden Tree Company Limited, is hosting the second World Shea Expo in the Northern Region. This event will further underscore the significance of the shea industry in Ghana and West Africa, offering opportunities for international exposure and investment.
Through its ongoing efforts, N4G continues to lead the way in empowering women, boosting local economies, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
