Sesame seeds market in Côte d'Ivoire, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, sesame seeds production in Côte d'Ivoire showed a gradual increase from 3 040 t to 3 121 t. Over the same period, the domestic market volume contracted from 2 847 t to 2 204 t, primarily due to a sharp rise in exports which grew from 196 t to 1 013 t. The initial foundations for this production trend were laid in 2018 when large-scale sesame cultivation began in the north as an alternative to traditional cash crops like cotton and cashew, though domestic output remained insufficient to meet demand.

The expansion was further supported by strong international demand, particularly from China, which influenced the Ivorian sector. By 2020, sesame farming was growing despite limited local stocks. In 2022 and 2023, a notable 40% rise in purchase prices and an estimated 2% increase in cultivated area stimulated greater interest among smallholder farmers. Strengthened trade relations with Nigeria, West Africa's leading producer, also provided additional market context.

In 2024, the state committed to guaranteeing access to quality seeds for producers and set a regional minimum price of 625 FCFA/kg for the 2024-2025 season to support farmers. A significant development was the plan by Robust International to invest up to 15 million USD in local sesame processing within Côte d'Ivoire, aiming to add value and reduce raw material exports. The sector, while still in a primary development stage with an estimated annual production nearing 5 000 t, saw dynamic local market activity and evolving agricultural practices focused on quality.

Production sesame seeds in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

Sesame seed production in Côte d'Ivoire remained broadly stable in 2020, with output reaching 3 035 tonnes. This followed a slight dip in 2019, when production hit its lowest point at 3 023 tonnes. The peak was recorded earlier in 2018 at 3 040 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.5% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, also at 0.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sesame seeds from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of sesame seeds from Côte d'Ivoire increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 555.0 tonnes. This marked a significant surge of 78.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 225.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 48.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Burkina Faso were the primary buyers of sesame seeds from Côte d'Ivoire, together accounting for 88.1% of total exports in volume. Other countries made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 76.0 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 386.4 thousand US dollars, representing a 5.1-fold increase. In 2020, exported sesame seed volumes from Côte d'Ivoire reached 386.4 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 79.8% advance compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018, with a 50.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 182.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey dominated the export market in value terms, concentrating 79.7% of total sesame seed exports from Côte d'Ivoire. The remaining flows were distributed among multiple smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports sesame seeds to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

Foreign sesame seed supplies to Côte d'Ivoire increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 75.3 tonnes. This represented a substantial gain of 476.7% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 1 888.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 170.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017–2020, the country structure of imports in volume was strongly focused on Lebanon, which accounted for 77.7% of total flows. Other partners contributed the remaining volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8.8 thousand US dollars, while volumes climbed to their maximum in 2020 at 56.8 thousand US dollars, a 6.5-fold shift. In 2020, sesame seed deliveries to Côte d'Ivoire amounted to 56.8 thousand US dollars, up by 546.7% year-on-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon, France, and India were the principal destinations for imports in value terms, with shares of 58.1%, 16.5%, and 15.4%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 90.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020