Telling the trade stories of least developed countries

In Africa, the unique experience of each of the 16 million rural women who make a living from shea inspires us more and more every day. Shea is an important crop, both economically and socially. It employs 4 million women for export and generates USD 237 million a year in income at the community level in West Africa. At the household level, shea accounts for up to 12% of household income and up to 32% of cash available, which is earned during the lean season.

Over the course of the partnership, Mali has recorded many achievements, including the integration of pro-poor trade into several policies and strategies. It has successfully strengthened the capacity of small producers in several priority sectors, particularly gum arabic, shea, and mango farmers, and strengthened its capacity to mobilize financing from other actors. Its ownership and commitment to making inroads to sustainable trade for development are evident, given the volume of its own financial resources it has contributed.

How strategic funding can help to ensure a global beauty industry creates local profit