Hot SourceKemi Olaitan in Ibadan
An entrepreneur and founder of Shea Tribe, Kanyisola Demola-Seriki, has explained how the organization is contributing to the country’s non-oil exports and boosting its foreign exchange earnings through exportation of shea butter and shea nut.
Demola-Seriki, a licensed esthetician in a statement made available in Ibadan, said Shea Tribe harnesses Africa’s botanical richness-unrefined shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter and other indigenous oils to create multipurpose, plant-powered skincare products for local and international markets.
Speaking on the economic impact of the business and its nation-building potential, the Secretary General of the Shea Women’s Association of Nigeria (SWAN) explained that Shea Tribe’s long term vison aligns with the national development goals, which according to her include creating direct employment opportunities for the youth and women in the supply chain of the skincare production.
In addition, she said the company enhances sustainable agriculture by promoting the planting and conservation of shea trees in Oyo State and other regions, adding that this on the long run supports environmental sustainability, climate resilience and long-term agricultural livelihoods.
Furthermore, she explained how the organisation under her leadership is enhancing the reputation of Nigerian brands internationally through products that meet global standards in both efficacy and design, adding that it is a proof that local production can meet and surpass imported quality.
The statement read in part, “Shea Tribe, is helping to change the narrative of made-in-Nigeria products. From hand-whipped body butters to ethically sourced oils, Shea Tribe is not just selling skincare—it’s building an ecosystem of empowerment, sustainability, and cultural pride.
“At its core, Shea Tribe is a skincare and wellness brand that uses unrefined shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, and traditional African botanicals to create multipurpose products for all skin types. The brand stands out for its unwavering commitment to natural formulation, sustainable sourcing, and elegant branding.
“Founded in 2016, the company emerged from a desire to combine ancestral beauty knowledge with modern skincare science—while preserving the cultural heritage and value of African resources.
“In a nation eager to diversify from oil dependency, Shea Tribe is proof that agribusiness and beauty can intersect for powerful economic returns. The company sources its raw materials directly from smallholder farmers and women’s cooperatives across Nigeria, ensuring that value remains within the communities that produce them.
“Registered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and now exporting raw and finished products internationally, Shea Tribe contributes to Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for clean, ethical beauty.
“Plans are underway to establish a dedicated shea-processing facility and a shea tree plantation in Southwest Nigeria—initiatives that will generate employment, improve supply chain traceability, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
“It offers vocational training, mentorship, and employment for young people—especially women—who want to enter the natural beauty and skincare space.”
According to her, in recent years, the global demand for natural skincare products has surged, presenting unique opportunities for countries rich in botanical resources such as Nigeria.
She added that Nigeria, a nation historically dependent on oil exports, is now witnessing a positive shift towards diversifying its economy through non-oil sectors, and shea butter exportation might just be one of the solutions.
