Ethiopian oil seeds

Ethiopia is one of the largest oil seed producers in the world. Producing high value specialty oil seeds, such as sesame seeds, linseed, and Niger seeds, for export markets. Oilseeds are energy dense foods, due to their high oil content and are a source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

1. Sesame Seed

Ethiopian sesame oilseed is the nation’s second most profitable export after coffee. With a very prolific spectrum of diverse sesame variants, Ethiopia is in the top 10 list of global growers of this seed. The primary sesame production in Ethiopia takes place in Gambella and the southern regions of the country. The cultivation of this natural resource is the primary livelihood for families in the Northern region. This region is renowned for the sesame strains Humera and Welkait.

Planting of the sesame seed begins in May to June. Peak harvesting season starts in October to November.

Types of Sesame Seeds:

Whitish Humera Type:
In high demand in the world market & known for its top quality. This seed is used as a   reference for grading in the international market.

  • Natural whitish color
  • Purity min 90%
  • Oil Content Min 50%
  • Moisture Content Max 6%
  • FFA 1.5%
  • Free from any kind of Infestation
 Wollega Type:
  • Suitable for oil crashing
  • Purity 98.5%
  • Oil content Min 51%
  • Moisture Content Max 6%
  • FFA 2%

2. Soybean 

Soybeans are members of the pea (legume) family of vegetables and have been a staple of Asian cuisines for thousands of years. Soy and soy foods are popular, especially for people following vegan diets. 
Soy is a high-quality protein. It is one of the few known plant foods to contain all the essential amino acids, like those found in meat.

Uses of Soybeans.
According to the US Soybean export council, Countries buying soybeans from the U.S. also use soybean meal to feed animals. For instance, it feeds poultry in Columbia, pigs in the European Union countries, fish in Southeast Asia, and much more.

Health Benefits of soy foods:
Eating soybean-based foods may reduce the risk of various health problems, such as;

  • Reduce cardiovascular disease, Lowered blood pressure, stroke.
  • Improvements to blood vessels, (such as greater elasticity of artery walls)
  • Improved bone health.
  • Protection against some cancers including breast cancer.
  • Improved cognitive function and visual memory.

3. Niger (Nug) Seed:


Grown for its edible oil and seed, the Niger is a branched annual herb. The cultivation of this seed originated in the Ethiopian highlands. The most common names include noog/nug; Niger, nyger, nyjer, or Niger seed; ramtil or ramtilla; inga seed; and blackseed.
Resembling a small, black sunflower, the Niger bloom produces a seed that is easy to digest, high in energy and protein, and secretes oils and soluble sugars.
Harvesting begins three to four months after the planting of the seed. Once the flower has bloomed and decayed, expert growers get to work on extracting the seeds.
From raw materials for Niger oilseed extraction to excretions for bird feed, Afro Sheba has you covered with the finest quality products.

Afro Sheba Niger Seed:

  • Black Color
  • Purity min 98%
  • Oil Content Min 34%
  • Impurity Max 1.5%
  • Moisture Content Max 4-7%
  • FFA 1.5%

Nutritional information for Niger Seed:

  • Contains protein, oil, and soluble sugar
  • Botanic name: Guizotia, Abyssinica
  • Origin: Ethiopia
  • Crude protein: 19.3%
  • Crude fat: 43.2%
  • Crude fiber: 14.3%

    Packaging and Logistics: 

    Minimum Order:

    • 5 Metric tons

    Packaging: 

    • Laminated polypropylene and burlap bags
    • Bulk in container

    Logistics:

    • 28 metric tons of bagged product per 40' HC- without a pallet.
    • 25 metric tons bulk product per 40’ HC – with pallet.