Founder of Cilla Organics, Priscilla Akpason Nwosu, has shared how she felt utterly privileged to have met and spoken with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General of the World Trade Organisation) at an exhibition recently hosted by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Browsing through the Cilla Organics range of nature-inspired goods, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had exclaimed in delight: “Just look at this packaging!” – and proceeded to purchase several products (especially the luxurious black soap) – much to the delight of the brand Founder.
Sharing her growth story, Nwosu added: “Yes, I informed her and other dignitaries [present] that our Shea butter is Nigeria’s first organic-certified Shea butter. This means a whole lot”.
Nigeria produces around 400,000 tonnes of shea nuts annually. At 53% of global output, the West African country is the world’s biggest producer. There is a growing demand for shea from local, regional, and international buyers in the food and cosmetics markets. The global market value in 2023 is 2.28 billion USD and forecast to be 3.75 billion USD by 2030. So, the Nigerian shea industry has a promising outlook.*
*[Source: CBI.eu – Using ‘women’s gold’ to secure a future for Nigeria’s shea workers]
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