Global demand for shea nuts is over 350,000 tons, yet Uganda produces only 3 ton per year (compared to Ghana's 60,000 tons). The global shea butter market is expected to reach USD 2.9Bn by 2025, owing to increased demand for organic beauty products in the cosmetic industry. The retail price range in Uganda Shilling for shea nuts is between UGX 9,900.00 and UGX 15,230.77 per kilogram in Kampala and Jinja and approximate wholesale price range for Uganda shea nuts is between US$ 1.80 and US$ 2.77 per kilogram.

In Uganda, Shea Nut trees only grow in Northern Uganda, in the districts of Kotido, Kaboong, Moroto, Abim, Otuke, Agago, Kitgum and in the West Nile and exports Shea products to Germany, Japan, Kenya, India, Canada, Middle East, Rwanda, France and Kenya.Looking ahead, it is likely that the export price of Shea Nuts from Uganda will continue to increase in the coming years. Predictions for 2023 and 2024 suggest that the export price per kilogram will be $2.20 and $2.35 respectively.

Uganda Export Promotions Board (UEPB) has set a target of supporting and enabling Shea Nut producers to have at least 200,000 to 500,000 tonnes of Shea Nut produced.

• “This investment opportunity targets production of 2000 tons of shea butter per year.”
• The capital investment required is USD 85,000 for a 5-year project, with cost of capital (debt) at 10 - 15% per annum.
• Operational costs are projected at USD 17,800 for the 5 years.
• ROI is projected at 23%. • Payback period is 5 years.