How can I make dry coconut from fresh coconut meat?
Fresh coconut meat is approximately 47% water (Basic Report of Raw Coconut Meat from the USDA National Nutrient Database. I would imagine you could grate fresh coconut meat and spread it on a cookie sheet to dry in an oven. I'd keep it on the lowest setting possible - no more than 150° F (65° C), otherwise it may turn out to taste more toasted. Stir it a number of times to evenly dry. 

Since I've never done it, I have no idea how long it would take but I think not more than a day. Hopefully, someone else may have tried it already. Are you sure freshly grated coconut couldn't be substituted?