GIRSAL targets US$500m in sesame exports

GIRSAL is aligning with its five-year strategic vision. This vision aims to develop high-potential agricultural value chains. Key focuses include chili and sesame production. The goal is to enhance export capacity and increase foreign exchange earnings.

Samuel Yeboah, GIRSAL’s Chief Operating Officer, spoke at a sesame pilot project site. This site is located in Keyeme-Ziope, Volta Region. He emphasized that Ghana can produce sesame commercially for export.

The pilot project aims to create a scalable business case for sesame seed production. It will focus on standardized production protocols and potential costs. The project will also analyze expected revenue and identify potential export markets.

Yeboah stated that GIRSAL is ready to support farmers with necessary structures. They aim to enable partner banks to offer low-interest loans for sesame cultivation. Over the next three years, GIRSAL expects to export about US$500 million of sesame seeds annually.

Currently, GIRSAL is cultivating 10 acres as part of its trial phase. They plan to expand this to 200 acres by December this year. In three years, they aim to grow production to 50,000 acres through partnerships with agribusinesses and banks.

After the trial phase, GIRSAL will assist agribusinesses in developing protocols and business analyses. This support will help them understand commercial production costs. Banks are involved in providing financing models for producing export goods.

Sesame is becoming a valuable commodity in Ghana and West Africa. Traditionally dominated by Sudan, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, Ghana shows growing interest in cultivation. In 2016, Ghana earned US$12.5 million from sesame exports.

However, exports fell drastically in 2023 to just US$278,900 from 510.86 metric tonnes due to limited data and support issues. Yeboah noted that GIRSAL aims to reverse this trend through their new initiative.

Globally, the demand for sesame seeds reaches US$5.6 billion annually. Nigeria produces about 3.6 percent of global supply while Ghana contributes less than one percent. Major markets include the US, Japan, Turkey, and China where sesame products are widely consumed for various uses including oils and cosmetics.