(OPINION) Nigeria’s First Organic Certified Shea Butter: Paving the Way for Women-Led Sustainable Trade
A recent interactive session organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) brought exciting news for the future of Nigerian exports and women-led businesses.
The session, featuring Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Ms. Dorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Center (ITC), proved to be a turning point for P.R.I. Global Ventures Limited.
During the event, Priscilla, representing P.R.I. Global, announced a groundbreaking achievement: obtaining Nigeria’s first-ever Organic Certified Shea Butter.
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This accomplishment is a direct result of P.R.I. Global’s partnership with the Shea Integrated Global Foundation (SIGF) on the UNDP-GEF SGP supported “She(a) Matters Project.”
The news was met with enthusiasm from Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and other dignitaries.
Recognizing the potential for increased trade and prosperity arising from this certification, the WTO Director-General reaffirmed the organization’s support for women exporters.
She went a step further by announcing the launch of the “Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund” (WEIDE), specifically designed to empower women in the digital export space.
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This achievement signifies several important aspects:
Increased visibility and support for P.R.I. Global will directly benefit the “She(a) Matters Project,” empowering women involved in shea butter production.
Growth in trade through this certification will necessitate stricter adherence to sustainable practices within the project, ensuring environmental responsibility.
The success story highlights the power of strategic partnerships, showcasing the combined efforts of P.R.I. Global, SIGF, UNDP-GEF SGP, and the NEPC.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s encouragement to leverage the newly launched WEIDE fund underscores her appreciation for the significant milestone of achieving Nigeria’s first Organic Certified Shea Butter.
Building upon this momentum, follow-up actions are planned. A meeting is being arranged between the NEPC’s ED/CEO and the National Coordinator of the UNDP-GEF SGP in Nigeria to discuss further support and capitalize on this exciting opportunity.
This development marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s export landscape, women-led businesses, and sustainable practices within the shea butter industry. It paves the way for a future filled with economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.
