A Ghanaian agribusiness entrepreneur is gaining international attention for transforming cocoa waste into high-value skincare products, highlighting the growing role of innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi, founder of SkinVive, is representing Ghana at the Macfrut 2026 in Rimini—one of the world’s leading exhibitions for the fruit and vegetable value chain.

At the event, Twumasi is showcasing SkinVive, a business built on a circular economy model that converts cocoa pod husk waste into natural, chemical-free skincare products. The innovation addresses a major agricultural challenge while creating new income streams for cocoa farmers, particularly women.

Her participation is supported by the E4Impact Foundation, which promotes high-impact African enterprises on global platforms.

Speaking at the fair, Twumasi emphasized the broader significance of her work, noting that African-led solutions can compete globally while linking agriculture, sustainability, and value-added production.

Beyond SkinVive, she is also actively involved in advancing women and youth participation in agriculture. She founded the Miss Agriculture Ghana Initiative and co-founded the Chamber of Women in Agribusiness Ghana, both aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, mentorship, and sector development.

Her presence at Macfrut reflects a wider shift toward sustainable agribusiness models that turn agricultural by-products into commercially viable goods. It also underscores increasing global demand for organic and environmentally friendly products.

With more than 20 African countries participating, the event highlights the continent’s growing influence in global agricultural innovation and trade. Twumasi’s work stands as a strong example of how value addition and sustainability can unlock new opportunities across Africa’s agricultural value chains.