The Shea Network Mission Statement:
 
The Shea Network is an informal network of shea butter producer groups, marketing associations, support organizations and other shea stakeholders across Africa.
 
The Shea Network is based on the following principles:
 
1.   Producer Equity: Our task is to establish a new industry of improved Shea butter production for rural Africa, based on decentralized, small-scale production enterprises, widely dispersed throughout the shea belt in each of the shea-producing countries. Our production units will be based on added value for maximum returns to the primary producers of sheanut and shea butter.
 
2. Women’s Ownership: Our production enterprises will be founded principles of maximum ownership and management by rural women, in recognition of women’s role as traditional custodians of the shea resource, and primary guardians of household food security.
 
3. Product Quality: Our shea products will be of consistently and exceptionally high quality, to serve the needs of consumers at the local, national, regional and international market levels. The highest quality products will maintain a higher value for the consumer, and higher returns to the producer.
 
4. Serving Local Needs First: Our primary emphasis will focus on local and national markets for shea products, with expansion to high-value regional and external markets once a regular surplus is established.
 
5. Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management: For long-term sustainability, our industry is based on community-driven conservation and sustainable management of shea trees and woodland, for the future of the shea resource, and the livelihoods of future generations.