Sesame is a drought-resistant oilseed crop that is becoming increasingly important in Tanzania’s agriculture and exports. The country is now one of the world’s top five sesame producers, joining the ranks of major exporters. Sesame grows well in dry areas and poor soils where many other crops fail. Its oil is in high demand because it is healthy and widely used around the world. In July 2025, the Product Design Team comprising representatives from farmer groups, processors, the private sector, and scientists—met in Dar es Salaam to validate key market segments and define the Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for sesame. The TPP will serve as a roadmap for guiding the country’s sesame breeding strategy. This collaborative workshop marks a significant step in strengthening Tanzania’s sesame breeding program and accelerating the development of improved varieties that meet both farmer needs and market demand. The meeting was attended by the manager for crop research and post-harvest management from TARI Dr. Atugonza Bilaro, who gave the opening remarks and highlighted TARI’s initiative to establish market segments and TPPs for all its crops. The PDT members identified two primary market segments: one for short-duration varieties and another for medium-duration varieties both featuring white seed coats suitable for oil extraction and food processing. Target Product Profiles (TPPs) were developed to align with the needs of each segment. In addition, an emerging market segment was recognized, focused on oil processing, medicinal use, and cosmetics. This segment includes sesame with white, brown, or black seed coats. However, due to limited available data, it was not possible to validate this segment or define a corresponding TPP at this stage. PDT members expressed appreciation for the meeting and the opportunity to contribute. They emphasized that the session was more than just a routine gathering, it deepened their understanding of market segmentation and the Target Product Profile (TPP) concept. They highlighted that recognizing the value of these tools is crucial for increasing the adoption of improved sesame varieties, which, in turn, can enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.