Shea Butter: Savannah & the Rise of a New Diaspora Trade

In the heart of West Africa, beneath the canopies of the shea tree, generations of Ghanaian women have hand-extracted one of the most luxurious and healing natural ingredients the world has ever known shea butter. Rich in vitamins A, E, and F, with natural anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties, shea butter has been revered not only for its therapeutic qualities but also for its cultural and economic value.

Today, as African American entrepreneurs reclaim ancestral pathways, Savannah, Georgia, USA now stands poised to become a center of healing, empowerment, and economic renewal through a modern, ethical trade in premium skincare products sourced from Ghana.

Savannah, Georgia, USA: A Gateway of Progress

  • The 3rd busiest container port in the U.S.
  • The fastest-growing port on the Eastern Seaboard
  • A key international trade hub linking the U.S. to Africa and beyond

(Source: Georgia Ports Authority, 2024)

Historically, enslaved Africans were trafficked through Savannah’s port and forced into labor across the American South. But in a striking reversal of fate, the very same port can now facilitate ethical trade partnerships between Ghana and the descendants of those once enslaved—restoring dignity, purpose, and economic opportunity.

Market Opportunity: Why Savannah is a Strategic Launchpad

1. Demographics & Cultural Resonance

  • Savannah’s Black population exceeds 53% (U.S. Census, 2023)
  • Rising movement to:
    • “Buy Black”
    • Support ancestral and natural goods
    • Reconnect with African heritage
  • Savannah’s thriving heritage tourism and cultural pride make it fertile ground for African-made wellness products.

2. Growing Skincare & Wellness Economy

  • Global shea butter market to reach $3.5 billion by 2030 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024)
  • U.S. natural skincare market exceeds $10 billion annually (Statista, 2024)
  • Target audience includes:
    • Millennials & Gen Z (ages 25–45)
    • Health-conscious, heritage-proud, ethical buyers

3. Logistics Advantage

  • Savannah port proximity = cost-effective imports from Ghana
  • Georgia offers:
    • Tax incentives
    • Trade facilitation through the World Trade Center Savannah
  • Near Atlanta, Charlotte, and Jacksonville = scalable market reach

Bridging the Past and the Present: Honoring Our Ancestors Through Enterprise

This is more than commerce. It is economic restoration through remembrance.

Then Now
Human cargo through the Port of Savannah Ethically sourced African goods entering Savannah
Exploitation of Black bodies Empowerment through Diaspora-led enterprise
Loss of identity Reclaiming heritage and wellness

By exporting shea butter from Ghana and rebranding it in Savannah, our business channels the legacy of resilience into luxury products that heal the skin and uplift the soul.

“From the pain of our past, we press forward. From the strength of our roots, we rise.”

Contact Us

African American Shared Enterprise, LLC
Email: africandiasporaunitygroup@gmail.com