Global Shea Alliance assists Benin National Association to organize conference

Increasing market, investment key to building Benin’s shea sector

Stakeholders gather to tackle issues at first annual conference, with support from Global Shea Alliance

Cotonou, Benin, Aug. 24, 2011 – Benin’s shea industry stakeholders will meet in Cotonou Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 for the Agence Beninoise de Promotion des Echanges Commerciaux (ABEPEC) first annual shea conference, the agency and the Global Shea Alliance announced today.

“The conference will allow stakeholders to connect, share ideas, develop consensus on important issues and collaborate to build the industry,” said Mr. Robert Akinde, Director of the Agence Beninoise de Promotion des Echanges Commerciaux.

“Our industry is growing,” said Gilles Adamon, CEO of Natura, which produces shea butter-based soaps and lotions. “Working together is key to make sure that growth is sustainable for all stakeholders.”

The four-day event will feature expert presentations on the state of the industry, including market trends, international demand and business opportunities. ABEPEC’s Director and the USAID West Africa Trade Hub Business and Finance Director will also present.

The conference will take place at the Stade d’Amitie de Cotonou, organized by the Agence Beninoise de Promotion des Echanges Commerciaux. The Global Shea Alliance and the USAID West Africa Trade Hub are key partners.

Registration is now open. Contact Jean Octave of ABEPEC (doctave1965 [at] yahoo [dot] fr) for more information or visit www.globalshea.com.

The Global Shea Alliance is a broad coalition of private sector partners committed to increasing international awareness of shea, establishing quality standards and facilitating information exchange across the industry. www.globalshea.com