Farmers in Zimbabwe have sold over 2 million kilograms of sesame seed since the start of the marketing season in mid-June, with the Zambezi Valley region emerging as the dominant force in both production and sales.
The sharp rise in sesame transactions comes amid growing interest from international buyers, particularly from countries like Turkey, India, and China. Contractors in the sector have called for expanded cultivation to meet this increasing demand.
Recognized for its potential to generate foreign currency, sesame is gaining ground as a strategic export crop. Data from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) indicates that by July 1, a total of 2,168,081 kg had been traded.
Of that total, 1,158,081 kg—more than half—were purchased by six contractors operating in the Zambezi Valley: Agri Upgrade, Blessed Destiny, CAG, Leafyard, Richand, and Vislee.
Regional Market Share
Masvingo Province accounted for 31% of total sales, with 671,000 kg sold, followed by Manicaland with 39,000 kg, about 2% of the market.
The top three buyers in the Zambezi Valley—CAG, Blessed Destiny, and Richand—recorded purchases of 363,151 kg, 312,930 kg, and 275,000 kg respectively.
Masvingo’s African Company came in fourth, having bought 220,000 kg, followed by Leafyard with 172,000 kg, and Vislee with 155,000 kg.
This year, AMA has registered 12 licensed buyers, including Agri Upgrade, Blessed Destiny, CAG, Leafyard, Richand, Vislee, And Africa, Mahommed, Sesame for Life, Sesame Zimbabwe, BeiAgri, and World Class.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
In response to concerns over licensing procedures, AMA released a formal directive—Regulatory Circular No. 1 of 2025—outlining updated rules for sesame production and marketing. These guidelines apply to all registered stakeholders, including growers, contractors, traders, and processors.
The circular is grounded in the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grains, Oilseed and Products) By-laws, Statutory Instrument 140 of 2013, and its subsequent amendments.
AMA Acting CEO, Mr. Jonathan Mukuruba, emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that all involved parties must submit monthly returns during the marketing season. Non-compliance may result in fines and penalties.
He also reminded farmers under contract to sell exclusively to their registered contractors, while self-financed growers are permitted to sell to any approved buyer offering a fair price.
To curb side marketing and unauthorised transport of sesame, AMA will issue movement permits for inter-regional transportation of the crop.
Economic Impact and Export Earnings
According to the second round of the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA-2) for the 2024/25 summer season, sesame output is expected to reach 20,667 tonnes.
Meanwhile, ZimStats reports that Zimbabwe earned US$1.52 million in 2024 from exporting 1,304,500 kg of sesame at an average price of US$1.17/kg. If this year’s current volumes are exported at the same rate, potential earnings could reach US$2.53 million—a 66% increase from last year.
Uses and Market Potential
Sesame seeds are versatile and widely used in cooking, both as a whole seed and as sesame oil. They are prized for their rich flavor, nutritional value, and are common in baking, salads, stir-fries, and health remedies.
As global demand grows, Zimbabwe’s sesame sector is poised to become a more significant contributor to national exports and rural incomes—if properly regulated and scaled.
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