August 28, 2016, Accra, Ghana  – The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) African Cosmetics Exhibition (ACE) showcases African artisanal brands producing high-quality shea-based products.  The annual event has connected 40 cosmetic companies with 1500+ buyers.  This year the GSA in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development and Technoserve will sponsor 36 GSA member organizations (listed below) to attend the ProBeauty trade show in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 28th –29th and trade + impact in Ifrane, Morocco on September 19th– 23rd.

The 36 participants were selected based on their innovative use of shea butter in cosmetics as well as their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The ACE will support the companies to prepare trade show strategies, secure new customers, and access growing cosmetics markets in Africa and around the world.

GSA’s president Moumouni Konate states, “Our members are constantly innovating and creating the highest quality of shea products. We are proud to support their efforts and promote African made products on a global stage.”

About the Trade Shows

ProBeauty Johannesburg is Africa’s largest trade show for the beauty industry. Garnering over 18,000 visitors and bringing together buyers and suppliers from the cosmetics industry, it allows exhibitors to meet face-to-face with potential new customers and create business leads. ProBeauty will also offer a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote exhibitors companies through pre-show magazines and newsletters.

trade + impact in Morocco is the first event of its kind—featuring over 500 attendees including women-led social enterprises from across Africa and the Middle East, social impact investors, government representatives, and international and regional buyers.  This year’s theme is “Technology, Trade, and Investment.” In addition to trade shows, trade + impact will offer technology and sustainability workshops and discussions on trade and investment.

About the Global Shea Alliance

The GSA, supported by USAID, is a non-profit industry association with 400 members from 31 countries including women’s groups, brands and retailers, suppliers, and NGOs. Through public-private partnerships, the GSA promotes industry sustainability, quality practices and standards, and demand for shea in food and cosmetics. 

The shea industry supports employment for 16 million rural women in 21 African countries, providing a critical source of income for their households. Approximately 600,000 tons of fresh kernels are collected annually from naturally growing trees, processed into butter, and utilized as a food and cosmetic ingredient around the world.  Shea butter in cosmetics provides a base emollient rich in natural fatty acids and a range of benefits including anti-inflammation and UV protection from its unique unsaponifiable content.