Shea butter production
Matt25 Foundation has a small Shea Butter factory in Chera, Northern Ghana, where the local women are actively involved in the processing. The factory marked its second year of operation. Thanks to the returns from the first year, the foundation was able to invest in a kneader machine, which significantly reduces the physical burden on the women by automating the labor-intensive kneading process.
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In 2024, the foundation expanded its efforts even further. A new borehole was drilled to supply clean water to both the factory and the Chera community. Additionally, a new warehouse was constructed to ensure better storage facilities.
WHY CHERA?
Northern Ghana faces tough conditions with dry landscapes and limited resources. Agriculture is a key livelihood, but often affected by drought, contributing to widespread poverty. Initiatives like shea butter production are vital for improving economic conditions. ​Chera, a small village near Walewale, is one of those places where employment opportunities are scarce. The burdens of fieldwork, childcare, and household management fall on the shoulders of women. Recognizing the need to uplift the community and empower women, Matt25 Foundation has chosen to invest in Chera.
Nature's Nourishing Secret
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to West Africa. One of the primary producers and exporters of shea butter is Ghana, where the shea tree is widely cultivated. The butter is derived through a labor-intensive process that involves collecting and processing the nuts, leading to a rich and creamy substance with a distinctive nutty aroma. Shea butter is a key ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products, offering nourishment and hydration to the skin. Beyond its cosmetic applications, shea butter has deep cultural and economic significance in Ghana, playing a vital role in the livelihoods of local communities engaged in its production.
Expanding horizons
Our vision extends beyond the current Shea Butter factory in Chera. Matt25 Foundation is committed to learning from the valuable experiences gained in Chera and using this knowledge to foster growth. Our ultimate goal is to empower the community by sharing the skills and resources necessary for them to independently sustain the venture. We aim to take a holistic, community-driven approach that goes beyond shea butter production, addressing broader needs to foster sustainable development.
In the long term, we hope to replicate this success in other locations, sharing the model and its benefits with communities that could equally thrive from similar opportunities.
