Cold-pressed Marula oil for the cosmetic market is an important product produced by rural communities in Namibia and has reached over 50 tonnes in the period between 2000 and 2011 (Mallet, M. pers comm., 2013). The first commercial export of 1 tonne was in 2000 following product and market research conducted from 1996 to 1999. Despite market demand continuing to grow for Marula oil, it is clear that supply is not responding at the same rate. This therefore creates shortages within the market which must be addressed. Through mapping and analysis the value chain for Marula oil, it is possible to identify constraints, upgrading opportunities, new routes to market and knowledge gaps that must be addressed in order to enhance current activities. Along with the narrative of these activities, supply chain diagrams provide a visual representation of the flow of products and information, and the relationships that exist between the actors in the chain. This value chain analysis focuses specifically on Marula kernel oil from Namibia. This oil is primarily destined for the cosmetic and personal care market and only small percentage goes into the local food market as food oil. It is important to consider the two end markets separately as there are differences in the value chains and the end markets are clearly distinct. Based on the findings of the value chain analysis, preliminary recommendations will be made with the aim to develop the current supply chain, grow the capacity of the actors involved and fundamentally diversify and increase the size of the end market for Marula oil.