High quality sesame seeds The world market for sesame products is steadily growing. Senegal only exports small quantities of untreated and unsorted sesame, due to a lack of mechanised production. The partners, experienced in agriculture and trade wish to invest in a cleaning and sorting factory for locally produced raw sesame seeds in the Ziguinchor region in Senegal. The raw sesame will be supplied by a cooperation of female outgrowers and third parties.The applicant Sumeco SA, based in Switzerland, is a worldwide trader in oily seeds, spices and herbs. The local partner Compagnie Développement Agricole is a producer and local trader in sesame seeds.This will be the first post-harvest handling factory to be established in Senegal. Outgrowers will be trained to enlarge the production with access to agricultural machinery and transport. The project will therefore help rural areas in the fight against poverty.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Child labour is mitigated. A safe and healthy working environment thanks to modern equipment and safety clothing is provided. Employee development, good working conditions in accordance to national laws are provided. Freedom of association of the workers is respected, gender discrimination and corruption is not tolerated. Green initiatives will be developed to reduce energy consumption, stimulate waste recycling and sustainability.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsEmployees will be recruited locally amongst subsistence farmers. The project will create employment in regions with high unemployment rates. Remuneration and working hours will comply with local labour laws. The lowest wage to be paid is 141% above the living wage of 65 euro per month. The employees will receive a social security package (Senegalese Social Security Fund), including health and accident insurance and a pension scheme. Overtime will be paid at a premium rate. Free meals and transport to the production site will be organised. The joint venture will set up a social policy for families of employees such as marriage- and new-born gifts, financial contribution in case of decease. Protective clothing, accident registers and fire extinguishers will be set in place to create a safe working environment. Zero-tolerance policy on discrimination and free association of employees will be applied.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe automated cleaning, sorting and hygienic packing is new for Senegal.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersThe project will have a positive impact on local suppliers. The project will generate additional income to women in rural areas. The joint venture will collaborate and transfer knowledge on sesame growing with 200 contracted farmers. The contract with the farmers will consist of the provision of seeds and information and technical support during the growing season and harvesting. At the moment of harvesting the price is set and the sesame will be purchased by the joint venture for treatment. As sesame grows during off-season, this production provides additional income to farmers in these rural areas with subsistence agriculture.Impact on local customers or consumersLow impact on local customers. The project produces mainly for the export market.•	Impact on the sectorThe joint venture will collaborate with the Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research to set up a certificate to encourage farmers who have improved their production. In cooperation with the Lycée Agricole of Bignona, students will be able to obtain traineeships.The local branches of the bank Crédit Mutuel du Senegal will also benefit from the project as the joint venture wishes to set up a credit system for outgrowers to pre-finance the sesame seeds and payment of the sesame harvest.•	EnvironmentCultivation of sesame contributes to the improvement of the soil (roots naturally suck the nitrogen in the atmosphere and nitrogen is a good fertilizer). The crops can grow in harsh conditions and do not need extra fertility or water.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will employ seventeen women on medium/high positions. Female entrepreneurship in rural areas is promoted through the collaboration with 200 contracted farmers in the Ziguinchor region. To establish a modern factory for the production of 1,863 tons of cleaned and sorted sesame seeds for the project partners and 650 tons for third parties, mostly for export. Simultaneously, to introduce crop and harvest technology for 200 outgrowers.