KAEME Body Care Wins DHL ESG Excellence Exporter of the Year in Dubai

Key Takeaways

• KAEME Body Care received DHL ESG Excellence Exporter of the Year at the Dubai ceremony on 13 August 2026.
• The company’s ESG program centres on solar‑powered production, local raw‑material sourcing and traceable supply chains in Juaso and Bososo.
• More than 70 % of inputs are Ghanaian, packaging is fully recyclable and emissions from transport have dropped by 72 %.
• The award joins previous national recognitions and international media coverage for the brand.

On 13 August 2026 the DHL MEA Innovation Centre in Dubai honoured KAEME Body Care Limited with the ESG Excellence Exporter of the Year award. Government officials, diplomatic trade representatives, DHL GoTrade partners and senior DHL executives attended the ceremony.

KAEME, founded by Freda Obeng‑Ampofo, produces body butters, black soap, body oils, candles and reed diffusers that reach more than 15 countries across Africa, North America and Europe. The award highlights the firm’s integrated approach to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and transparent governance.

Background & Context

The brand emerged from a vision to commercialise Ghanaian natural ingredients while providing structured opportunities for artisanal producers. Early operations relied on informal black‑soap production in the mining towns of Juaso and Bososo, where quality control and market access were limited.

Through systematic formulation work and investment in Good Manufacturing Practices, KAEME transformed local output into export‑ready products. The company now supplies a diversified portfolio to retail partners and direct‑to‑consumer channels worldwide.

ESG Initiatives and Impact

KAEME’s environmental strategy includes a solar‑powered manufacturing facility in Accra, currently 65 % complete, and a rainwater‑harvesting system that reduces reliance on municipal supply. Over 70 % of raw materials are sourced from Ghanaian farmers, a practice that the firm estimates cuts transport‑related emissions by 72 % compared with imported alternatives.

Social interventions focus on capacity building in Juaso and Bososo. Producers receive training in standardized recipes, quality assurance and traceability protocols. Frequent site visits by the founder ensure ongoing compliance and community engagement.

Market Position and Recognition

KAEME has secured the Skincare Brand of the Year award for three consecutive years (2022‑2024) and earned Manufacturing Company of the Year in 2025. International exposure includes features by CNN and inclusion in Euromonitor International’s ranking of established natural beauty brands in Ghana.

The DHL accolade places KAEME among a select group of African exporters, alongside Kilentar and Ohana Family Wear, underscoring the commercial viability of sustainability‑driven models.

Looking Ahead

The firm plans to open its solar‑enabled facility as shared infrastructure for other African women formulators, aiming to catalyse a network of environmentally responsible manufacturers. Continued investment in traceable supply chains and transparent governance is positioned to reinforce competitive advantage in global markets.

Stakeholders anticipate that KAEME’s trajectory will influence policy discussions on sustainable trade and inspire replication of its community‑centric approach across the continent.