MBIRE, May 26 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe’s sesame sector is battling rising smuggling and sidemarketing, with unlicensed foreign buyers accused of undercutting contractors and siphoning profits out of the country.
Industry players say buyers, mostly from Mozambique, are luring farmers with cash deals outside contract arrangements, threatening the viability of the formal marketing system.
“The sector has been invaded by dubious players, mostly foreigners from Mozambique, offering low prices to farmers,” an industry player said on condition of anonymity. “They have nothing to lose because they did not sponsor production. We are in a war with these buyers.”
Sesame, like tobacco, is largely produced under contract farming, with licensed companies supplying seed, chemicals and financing. But contractors say illegal buyers are exploiting the system by purchasing crops without investing in production costs.
“Since they are getting the crop for free, their profit margins are high. They are not answerable to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on the 70% forex retention policy. It’s cruel to us,” another player said.
Authorities have stepped up enforcement, with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) seizing more than 15,600 kilograms of illegally traded sesame since the 2026 marketing season opened.
The operation targets syndicates smuggling sesame into Mozambique through illegal crossing points, particularly in Mbire district, while also curbing sidemarketing and unlicensed buying.
Authorities said 15,658kg of sesame worth about US$11,400 had been confiscated and auctioned. Major interceptions included 1,692kg in Mbire on May 17, 4,800kg in Chiredzi on May 22 and 9,166kg in Mbire later the same day. Five compliance fines totaling US$5,000 were issued.
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AMA chief executive Alice Mapfiza warned of tough action against offenders.
“Anyone found buying sesame seeds without AMA registration risks prosecution, confiscation of produce and penalties under the governing regulations,” she said.
Despite the crackdown, formal trade is growing. AMA data shows licensed contractors and buyers have purchased 465,843kg of sesame this season, injecting about US$372,674 into the agricultural sector.
The authority urged farmers to sell only to registered buyers to avoid exploitation and contract disputes.
