Client and partners: Global Shea Alliance (GSA) and Mastercard Foundation. Local implementing partner: African Center for Social Innovation and Agribusiness (ACENSIA). Beneficiaries: shea butter processor cooperatives of young women aged 18 to 35.
AgriServ Innovations, in partnership with ACENSIA, is implementing a tailor-made capacity building programme under the SHINE Project, an initiative of the Global Shea Alliance in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The programme aims to transform women-led shea butter processing cooperatives into viable small businesses, improve product quality to meet international standards, and facilitate access to finance and premium markets.
Our role as training partner
- Cooperative business formalisationGroup governance, leadership and business registration. Savings culture, financial literacy and access to finance.
- Technical training on quality processingImproved shea butter processing for export-grade quality. Hygiene, food safety and quality assurance. Use of improved processing technologies.
- Climate resilience and sustainabilityShea parkland conservation. Climate-smart aggregation and processing practices.
- Market linkage and digital traceabilityTraining on digital tools for traceability. Linkage to private sector buyers for direct purchase.
Expected impact
- Increased income for young women processors
- Improved quality of shea butter for export markets
- Youth-led cooperatives operating as sustainable small businesses
Funded by the Global Shea Alliance and Mastercard Foundation.