Zimbabwe offers to supply Sudan with tea amid Kenya import ban

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has announced its readiness to meet Sudan’s tea demand following the Sudanese government’s recent ban on Kenyan imports.  

The suspension came after Kenya hosted a conference in February that Sudan claims sought to establish a parallel government for rebel groups. 

Acting Minister of Trade and Supply Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali Banafair met with Zimbabwean Ambassador Emmanuel Gombo to discuss strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations.  

During the meeting, Gombo reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s willingness to supply tea to Sudan and expand bilateral cooperation. 

According to Gombo, Zimbabwe exports approximately 11,000 tons of tea annually, along with tobacco, and leads Africa in tea production with a market share of 21%.  

He emphasized the importance of boosting trade between the two nations through agreements that would encourage both public and private sector investment. 

Speaking to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Gombo reiterated Zimbabwe’s support for Sudan and its territorial integrity. In response, Banafair praised the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries and highlighted their close coordination in regional and international forums. 

Zimbabwe’s tea and coffee sector has shown robust performance, with ZimTrade reporting export earnings of US$38.5 million in 2024 from shipments to Europe, Asia, and the United States. 

Meanwhile, Kenyan tea industry stakeholders have urged their government to negotiate with Sudanese authorities for a grace period of at least one month to allow buyers to clear tea shipments already dispatched. 

East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) Managing Director George Omuga disclosed that 207 containers, each carrying 400 bags of tea bound for Sudan, are currently stranded at the port of Mombasa. Additional shipments remain in warehouses, on the high seas, and at Sudanese ports awaiting clearance. 

Despite the setback in the Sudanese market, Kenya’s tea industry has continued to expand. Tea exports grew by 9% in 2024, reaching Kes 215.21 billion, up from Kes 196.7 billion in 2023.  

Production also increased, rising from 570 million kilograms in 2023 to 598 million kilograms in 2024. 

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