Sesame seeds market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

Government and NGO initiatives from 2018 onward, such as the distribution of foundation seeds and farmer training in West Nile and Acholi regions, aimed at boosting sesame yields and establishing local seed systems. This support helped maintain production levels, but the concurrent expansion of export markets to COMESA and the Middle East from 2019 led to a rise in overseas shipments. Increased exports outweighed production gains, resulting in a contraction of the domestic market volume through 2020.

Global trends toward functional foods and cosmetics drove demand for sesame oil from 2021, stimulating local consumption and contributing to market growth despite a dip in production that year. Ongoing state support for farmers and sustained consumer preference for healthy sesame products provided stability in 2022. By 2023, the market volume expanded to 124.5 thousand tons, supported by a significant reduction in export volumes.

Production sesame seeds in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda consistently ranked 12th globally in sesame seed production.

Top producers of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of sesame seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Uganda produced 146.0 thousand tons of sesame seeds, representing a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 144.0 thousand tons, which also marked the largest decline of 1.4% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports sesame seeds from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

Uganda's sesame seed exports have grown for two consecutive years. In 2020, the country exported 28 851 tons, showing a significant 25.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 30.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 21 192 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Kenya, and Turkey were the primary destinations for Uganda's sesame seed exports by volume. China accounted for 47.4% of exports, Kenya for 12.2%, and Turkey for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Uganda's sesame seed exports have increased in value for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 35 522 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 8.5% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 105.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Germany were the main destinations for Uganda's sesame seed exports by value. China held a 46.5% share, Turkey 12.4%, and Germany 9.8%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 68.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Uganda in value, 2017-2020

Imports sesame seeds to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

The import market for sesame seeds in Uganda showed considerable volatility from 2017 to 2020. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 6 tons, then surged to 23 tons in 2020, marking a dramatic 289.3% increase from the previous year. The peak occurred in 2017, with a 6.8-fold difference between the highest and lowest years. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 84.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany dominated Uganda's sesame seed imports by volume, accounting for 72.9% of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Uganda's sesame seed import market experienced significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. Import value hit its lowest point in 2019 at 9 thousand US dollars, then jumped to 46 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a sudden 425.4% year-over-year increase. The peak was in 2017, with a 7.3-fold swing between the highest and lowest years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 80.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the dominant source for Uganda's sesame seed imports by value, capturing 76.2% of total flows. All other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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

World map of product's imports to Uganda in value, 2017-2020