In a major boost for farmers in the Acholi sub-region, the PACIED team helped secure a new export agreement for 5,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of simsim (sesame) to Guangzhou, China.
The signing took place at Boma Hotel in Gulu and brought together key leaders from across the region, including RDCs, farmer representatives, and local government leaders from all eight Acholi districts. The agreement was signed with Talanta, an organization representing over 10,000 simsim farmers in the area.
This agreement is a significant step forward for the Acholi farming community. It not only connects local farmers to the international market but also sets the stage for bigger opportunities. Once this first consignment is successfully delivered, the offtake contract is expected to grow to 100,000MTs. This will support the building of a simsim oil pressing plant in Gulu, which will add value to the crop and increase local incomes.
To operate a 10,000MT simsim oil pressing plant, at least 25,000MTs of raw simsim are needed. Fortunately, the Acholi region already produces about 31,000MTs each year. However, farmers face serious challenges, including poor infrastructure, lack of storage and processing facilities, limited access to finance, and no proper quality control systems. These issues have caused farmers to earn low prices on the international market.
But this is about to change. The process of building better systems for aggregation, quality testing, and value addition has already begun. This deal marks the beginning of a new journey toward transforming Acholi’s agriculture into a profitable, export-focused industry.
Special thanks go to Mr. Victor Zhang, the South China Trade Representative, and his team, as well as Mr. Timothy Jokenne, the Chairman of Talanta, for making this partnership possible. Appreciation also goes to the hardworking young PACIED team that continues to drive Uganda’s export goals forward.
With continued focus and determination, Acholi farmers are on the path to better incomes, improved livelihoods, and greater international trade. The future looks bright
