Sesame seed production has emerged as a growing source of income for farmers as Zimbabwe recorded a sharp increase in exports during 2025, reflecting wider participation in the crop and expanding access to international markets.
Figures from 2025 show that Zimbabwe exported 3.76 million kilograms of sesame seed, earning US$3.8 million, up from 1.3 million kilograms valued at US$1.5 million in 2024.
The increase represents a 188 percent rise in export volumes and a 152 percent growth in export value.
Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA) chief executive officer Clever Isaya said the export growth points to improved production levels and stronger market linkages.
Related Stories
“The growth we are seeing in sesame exports shows that farmers are responding positively to improved production systems and better market linkages,” said Isaya.
Zimbabwe’s sesame seed found markets in China, Japan and Turkey during the year, with demand from these destinations supporting higher volumes shipped by local producers.
Isaya said AMA continues to engage stakeholders to strengthen the sesame value chain and ensure farmers benefit from growing export demand.
“As AMA, we continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen the sesame value chain, improve access to export markets and ensure that farmers benefit from the growing demand,” he said.
Sesame seed is mainly produced by small-scale farmers in parts of Mashonaland, Midlands and the Lowveld, where the crop is favoured for its low input costs and tolerance to dry conditions.
In recent years, it has been promoted as an export commodity, with AMA coordinating market access and compliance requirements to support increased shipments.
Leave Comments