Webinar: How to export nilotica shea butter to Europe

In Uganda, the launch of the Nilotica Shea Alliance (NiSA) has led to better coordination within the sector. The alliance brings together producers, exporters, researchers and public institutions to work on quality improvement, market development and the sustainable management of shea parklands. This CBI webinar addresses how exporters can position nilotica shea in the European market and what suppliers must consider when approaching buyers.

Nilotica shea butter

Nilotica shea butter, often referred to as soft shea or East African shea, comes from Northern Uganda, South Sudan and parts of Ethiopia. Traditionally, women in rural communities produce this shea butter, which has long been used both as a food and as a cosmetic oil.

Nilotica shea butter is softer than other butters. It melts quickly when warm and turns into oil on your skin. This makes it easy to mix into creams and spread well. It leaves your skin soft, not greasy. That is why it is good for body and face creams, especially for dry or sensitive skin.

Webinar

During the session, we will explore:

• What makes nilotica shea different in terms of functionality and skin feel?
• What role does the NiSA play in strengthening the sector?
• What are the current opportunities and challenges for nilotica shea in Europe?
• What technical, commercial and sustainability requirements do European buyers have?
• What practical steps can suppliers take to approach European buyers?

For whom?

This webinar is for:

• Exporters and producers of nilotica shea;
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that work with natural cosmetic ingredients; and
• Sector associations and business support organisations 

from Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. 

And for:

• Cosmetic formulators and ingredient buyers; and
• European importers of natural ingredients

from Europe.

Agenda

Presenters

The webinar will be hosted by Edouard van der Haas, programme manager for market intelligence at CBI, and presented by:

Andrew Jones, Fair Venture Consulting

Andrew Jones helps SMEs to enter and grow in the European market for natural cosmetic ingredients. He collaborates with organisations such as CBI, SIPPO, UNIDO and UNCTAD on export promotion and sector development, helping suppliers understand and meet European buyer requirements. In Uganda, he has worked with CBI on an export coaching programme to develop the natural ingredients for the cosmetics sector, including nilotica shea.

From 1995 to 2004, Andrew worked at The Body Shop International in the Sourcing and Community Trade department, where he supported the development and scaling of the Community Trade shea butter supply chain in Ghana. He was also involved in introducing ingredients such as marula oil, Kalahari melon seed oil and Fair Trade cocoa butter into product ranges. Since then, he has worked across Africa, Latin America and Asia to improve market access for natural ingredients and currently lives in Colombia.

Marion Etiang-Busingye, MOHCA

Marion Etiang-Busingye is the founder and CEO of MOHCA Beauty & Skincare, a Ugandan manufacturer and brand active in the nilotica shea value chain. Her work focuses on premium value addition, quality consistency, and market readiness for both finished products and shea-based ingredients.

She currently serves as the interim chairperson of the Nilotica Shea Alliance, supporting industry coordination, supplier development, and improved market positioning to strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness in the global natural ingredients and cosmetics market.

Marion brings extensive entrepreneurial experience in manufacturing, agribusiness, real estate, media, and telecommunications, alongside leadership of a diversified portfolio. She holds an Executive MBA and brings a practical, growth-oriented perspective to building scalable, African-owned businesses.

Naiga Kibuuka, Naiga Naturals

Naiga Kibuuka is the founder of Naiga Naturals, a UK-based natural beauty brand specialising in handmade, plant-based hair and skincare products. Inspired by her Ugandan heritage, she works closely with suppliers to source high-quality Nilotica shea butter and other natural ingredients, promoting sustainable sourcing and ethical production.

Naiga holds a Certificate in Company Direction at the Institute of Directors (IoD) and is an Afro Hair & Beauty Emerging Brand Award winner. She is passionate about educating consumers through her brand on the benefits of natural cosmetics, while advocating for African-sourced raw materials in the European market."
 

Register

Join us for this webinar on Thursday 2 April 2026, 14:00 CEST. 

Register

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