Sabrina Dhowre Elba, actress, entrepreneur, and Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is championing ethical sourcing and women’s empowerment in the shea industry following her recent visit to Northern Ghana.
This is on the back of her partnership with World Vision International, where she visited several women-led shea butter processing groups in the Northern Region to learn firsthand about sustainable practices and the challenges these communities face.
The visit is part of a broader initiative with S’ABLE Labs, the skincare company she co-founded, aimed at promoting wellness and responsible sourcing.
“We believe in the power of communities,” Elba said during her visit.
“Through our partnership with World Vision and Fairtrade, we can create a space where people not only benefit from ethical sourcing but where their work and culture are uplifted on a global stage. We are committed to supporting the incredible women who are the backbone of agricultural production in this region.”
In Gbumgbum Yemo, Sabrina observed traditional shea butter production a time-intensive process carried out largely by women. Sabrina engaged with the women involved in the process, learning about their challenges and, at the same time, ways to preserve the indigenous method of shea production.
In nearby Malishegu, she met with cooperatives benefiting from Fairtrade certification, which ensures producers receive fair compensation and reinvest in their communities.
“Fairtrade is not just about profit,” said Sabrina. “It’s about ensuring dignity, fairness, and sustainable livelihoods for the people who grow the ingredients we all love to use. By supporting ethical sourcing, we help create opportunities that lead to lasting change.”
She also visited Bugulung, where mechanized shea processing is improving productivity and income for local women. World Vision, active in Ghana for 45 years, has played a key role in providing the necessary training and equipment to support these transitions.
The partnership between S’ABLE Labs and World Vision focuses not only on sustainable product development but also on raising awareness about the importance of supporting fair trade practices. “Sabrina’s advocacy aligns with World Vision’s mission to tackle poverty at its root,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Together, we’re helping create systems that value both people and the planet.”
As Sabrina concluded her trip, she called for greater accountability in sourcing and consumption: “Ethical sourcing is not a trend it’s a responsibility we all share. Through partnerships like this, we can create a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world.”
This collaboration underscores the power of community-led solutions and highlights the role of ethical business practices in creating a more sustainable future. Through such initiatives, the potential for positive global impact is limitless
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