Sesame

Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are among the largest producers of sesame in Africa.

Consider looking into the soil quality, water availability, market demand, climatic conditions, and local infrastructure of the region before investing in sesame.

Use of sesame in culinary dishes, health benefits, and applications in oil production and snacks are some of the key drivers of demand. 

Growth opportunities include expanding into new markets, increasing production efficiency, developing value-added products, and tapping into organic and specialty markets.

The adoption of improved seed varieties, sustainable farming practices, and increased focus on export markets are some of the current trends in sesame cultivation and production in Africa.

Market segments such as raw sesame seeds, sesame oil, sesame paste (tahini), and sesame-based snacks and ingredients come under the sesame business.

Investing in sesame oil and value-added products like tahini often offers higher profit margins and growth potential.

Investing in sesame in Africa offers many high-return opportunities due to the increasing production potential and surging global demand, accompanied with favorable growing conditions.

Ethiopia is considered one of the best countries for high-quality sesame seeds, known for its distinctive flavor and texture.

The countries with the highest consumption of sesame seeds are Tanzania (21% of global consumption based on tonnes), China (19%), and Sudan (9%). Other significant consumers include Myanmar, India, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, each accounting for 6%. Together, these countries make up nearly 74% of global sesame seed consumption. Japan is also one of the highest consumers of sesame seeds per capita, utilizing them extensively in its cuisine.