The former Sudan led Africa’s sesame seed oil production for 48 years, with the largest volume of 69,300 tonnes produced in 2009

Key Takeaways:

  • The former Sudan was the leading sesame seed oil producer in Africa for 48 years, from 1961 to 2011.
  • Nigeria topped Africa’s production rankings between 2012–2014 and 2016–2018.
  • The Central African Republic led sesame oil production in Africa for five years in a recent period.
  • East African countries, particularly Tanzania and Uganda, have seen significant growth in sesame oil production since the 1990s.
  • Six countries—Former Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Central African Republic—have consistently played leading roles in Africa’s sesame seed oil production from 1961 to 1981 before the inclusion of some other African countries.
  • Following their separation, both Sudan and South Sudan have remained among the top sesame oil producers in Africa.
  • The top producers of sesame seed oil in Africa are mainly from Sub-Sahara African countries.
  • In SSA, sesame is often grown by small-scale farmers for export purposes.

From 1961 to 2022, the former Sudan held the position of Africa’s leading sesame seed oil producer, contributing the largest share of output for nearly five decades. This dominance was largely due to favourable climate conditions and supportive agricultural policies that promoted sesame-oil seed cultivation.

After the country's division in 2011, both Sudan and South Sudan continued to rank among the continent’s top producers, each contributing significantly to Africa’s overall sesame oil output.

Nigeria has also maintained a strong presence over the decades. Although its production has fluctuated due to shifting agricultural priorities and economic challenges, the country’s continued relevance in recent years underscores its agricultural capacity and diversity.

Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan Africa countries collectively produce majority of Africa's sesame seed oil, despite Sudan being the largest producer. The contribution of SSA countries is mostly due to its favourable climates and soil conditions that support sesame farming with low input costs, making it attractive to smallholder farmers.

Source:

Food and Agriculture organization of the UN

Period:

1961-2022
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