The Tipagya Women’s Groups, a collection of three dynamic women-led enterprises is located in Malshegu in the Northern Region of Ghana. Comprising 26 women across Groups A, B, and C, these hardworking entrepreneurs are dedicated to aggregating and processing shea nuts to produce high-quality shea butter for both local and international markets.

With Tradeline Consult’s assistance, all three groups secured critical loan facilities from the Tamale Archdiocesan Union of Cooperative Societies for Development Limited (TAUCSOD), enabling them to scale their operations and achieve their business goals:

• Tipagya Women Group A, led by Chairperson Abubakari Insan and consisting of 10 members, secured a GHS 21,000 loan in August 2024.
• Tipagya Women Group B, under the leadership of Chairperson Osman Amina and comprising 10 members, also secured GHS 17,500 in September 2024.
• Tipagya Women Group C, a smaller group of six members led by Chairperson Seidu Maria, received GHS 11,500 in September 2024.

“Accessing the loan has been a game-changer for us. Now, we are better equipped to support our families and contribute to the development of our community,” stated Abubakari Insan, Chairperson of Tipagya Women Group A.

Each group has experienced remarkable growth: Tipagya Women Group A expanded its operations, increasing production from 2,500 kilos per month to 5,000 kilos; Tipagya Women Group B significantly boosted its production capacity, growing from 12,000 kilos per month to 33,500 kilos; and Tipagya Women Group C improved its storage and processing capabilities, increasing production from 1,000 kilos to 1,750 kilos per month.

In addition to increased production, each group offers training and capacity-building initiatives for their members, ensuring that every woman has the skills necessary to thrive in the shea butter industry. This focus on skills development not only enhances the marketability of their products but also improves the economic well-being of the entire community.

All three groups have made collective contributions towards their loan repayments based on their roles and capacities, demonstrating their commitment to financial responsibility.

Today, the Tipagya Women’s Groups’ ability to secure and effectively manage loans has strengthened their credibility among financial institutions, providing a pathway for long-term growth. The ongoing partnership with TAUCSOD and Tradeline Consult has provided them with the financial leverage and technical support needed to grow their enterprises.