Ethiopian Sesame, Beans Experiencing Significant Growth Globally  

Addis Ababa, November 22, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia is experiencing significant growth in its sesame and beans sectors, and the country’s vast agricultural and economic potentials position it for global leadership, according to Turkish and Belgian buyers.

During their recent visit to Ethiopia, the two major global buyers from Turkey and Belgium emphasized that Ethiopia’s agricultural resources, energetic workforce, and growing infrastructure give it a unique advantage in global markets.

Engin Tan Narin, a Turkish entrepreneur who produces tahini (a Middle Eastern paste or spread made from ground sesame seeds) in Turkey and the United States using about 200 tons of Ethiopian sesame daily, said Ethiopia is striving to become one of the world’s top supplier of sesame seeds.

 

The entrepreneur, who has been doing business in Ethiopia since 1997, noted that he has witnessed “tremendous positive change” in Ethiopia.

He commended Ethiopia’s progress and agricultural potential, emphasizing the need for value-added production in the agricultural sector for significant outcomes.

“Ethiopia should focus on value-added products, from sesame seeds to tahini, from white beans to canned products. That is where economic growth happens,” the entrepreneur stressed.

Narin further suggested improvements in market competitiveness, overcoming the salmonella contamination in sesame seeds, to ensure the country's position in becoming the world’s top supplier of sesame seeds.

Casibeans General Manager, Carolini Soy, also noted that Ethiopia plays a pivotal role in supplying pulses to Europe. The Belgian firm has also been importing Ethiopian beans since the 1960s.

 

She said, “Ethiopia has very strong products such as beans, chickpeas, sesame seeds, and the quality has improved over the years. Thus, Ethiopia remains one of our most important origins”.

According to her, Ethiopia’s strong position in the international oilseed market is well known.

The General Manager, in particular, mentioned the worldwide reputation of Humera sesame, one of the country’s most desirable export products.

Significant progress has also been made in recent years in the use of agricultural chemicals to ensure that products meet strict international safety standards, Soy noted.

She also said that Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and marketability of pulses and oilseed exports, particularly as global demand for high-quality products, continues to rise.