Sesame is one of the oldest oilseeds known to human being. Since it was first introduced to Ethiopia between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago, sesame has earned and maintained its place as a leading cash crop for the country. Sesame cultivation has always primarily been for export, helping to link the country with its neighbors across the Red Sea and build ties with Mediterranean and Middle East countries.

The country’s distinctive agro-ecologies make it one of the world’s centers of distinct sesame production. The average annual production of sesame is nearly 275,000 metric tons and a total production potential of more than 400,000 metric tons. Ethiopia stands fourth in sesame production and second in sesame export in the world market.