diff --git a/package/python-pyzmq/python-pyzmq.mk b/package/python-pyzmq/python-pyzmq.mk
index 82bf3d0fd9..7f86b52954 100644
--- a/package/python-pyzmq/python-pyzmq.mk
+++ b/package/python-pyzmq/python-pyzmq.mk
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ PYTHON_PYZMQ_LICENSE = LGPLv3+ BSD-3c Apache-2.0
 PYTHON_PYZMQ_LICENSE_FILES = COPYING.LESSER COPYING.BSD
 PYTHON_PYZMQ_DEPENDENCIES = zeromq
 PYTHON_PYZMQ_SETUP_TYPE = distutils
+PYTHON_PYZMQ_BUILD_OPTS = --zmq=$(STAGING_DIR)/usr
 
 # Due to issues with cross-compiling, hardcode to the zeromq in BR
 define PYTHON_PYZMQ_PATCH_ZEROMQ_VERSION