The Burkinabé government has seized more than 136 tons of shea almonds following the suspension of their export in September.
The Ministry of Commerce announced that on Thursday it confiscated 136.24 tons of shea almonds, which were subsequently sold for an estimated value of 54,449,600 CFA francs (about US$84,490).
“The sale of these stocks to local processors will generate revenue for the Patriotic Support Fund,” the ministry said.
The government temporarily halted the export of shea nuts in September 2024 to ensure the availability of this raw material for domestic industrial units.
This measure aims to protect jobs and stabilize shea nut prices, reinforcing the sector’s sustainability.
However, the Ministry of Commerce reported attempts by some traders to bypass the regulation by hiding shea nuts for illegal exportation. These violators were severely penalized.
The government has also gazetted the maximum selling price for shea almond: 375 CFA francs per kilogram in certain regions and 400 CFA francs per kilogram in others.
This pricing mechanism aims to maintain market stability and support local processors.
DS/te/sf/lb/jn/APA