Tanzania unveils tea sector initiative to boost global competitiveness, quality standards 

TANZANIA – Tanzania has announced major reforms in its tea industry, shifting from a volume-based approach to a quality-focused strategy aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of its tea exports.  

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, introduces the NO-SC model—No Objection, Standard Compliance—to ensure only teas that meet stringent international standards reach the market. 

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe unveiled the reform agenda at the Tea Board of Tanzania (TBT) Annual General Meeting.  

The meeting also marked the appointment of Abdulmajid Nsekela, Managing Director of CRDB Bank, as the new board chair.  

Bashe described the shift as a “turning point” for the industry, stating that Tanzania will no longer pursue bulk production at the expense of quality. 

“Our mission now is to build a premium brand for Tanzanian tea that attracts better prices and secures the trust of international buyers,” Bashe said. 

Under the NO-SC model, tea producers and processors will be subjected to rigorous checks before their products are approved for market release.  

The government will also begin certifying farmers to ensure compliance with established standards, helping reduce the financial burden they currently face in maintaining quality. 

To enhance farmer participation and value addition, Tanzania plans to adapt key elements from Kenya’s model, where smallholder farmers co-own processing factories. This structure allows farmers to hire qualified staff and directly engage in the sale of processed tea, instead of relying solely on estate owners. 

“Currently, if the estate fails, so do the farmers. We must break away from this outdated system,” Bashe stated, affirming the government’s commitment to assist in factory management and skills development. 

Stakeholders have long called for modernisation of the sector to improve transparency and benefits for smallholder farmers.  

Bashe has tasked the new TBT board with conducting a full review of the tea industry’s structure and recommending reforms. 

He criticised the current lack of transparency, noting that no data exists to justify the current green leaf price of TZS 360 (US$0.14) per kilogram.  

He also demanded that companies owing farmers payments beyond three months settle their debts or exit the sector, specifically naming DL Group. 

Additionally, the government is offering to subsidise fertiliser prices by up to 50 percent and support irrigation schemes developed by cooperatives or private firms, further encouraging sustainable tea farming practices. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.