Sesame, locally known as `Chitowe`, is used in Malawi both for consumption purposes and as a cash medium in some rural areas. It is used in confectionery products, for seasoning side dishes, soap making and cooking (from sesame oil). 

The crop grows along the lakeshore, in the Shire valley and on the warm plateau areas of Lilongwe, Mzimba, Rumphi and Chitipa. Estimated annual production has averaged 205 metric tones in the past ten years. However, the government is encouraging increases in production of sesame. 

Hence opportunities exist in both production and processing of sesame oil into marketable products.