Post-Sudan ban, Kenyan tea targets West Africa markets
Kenyan tea exporters are turning to the West African market as part of a broader strategy to grow intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. This shift follows Sudan’s trade ban, which has disrupted a key market for Kenyan tea. George Omuga, Managing Director of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), joins CNBC Africa for more insights.
Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:14:14 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Kenyan tea faces a ban in Sudan, prompting exporters to explore opportunities in West Africa under the AfCFTA framework
- Challenges like tariff and non-tariff barriers hinder access to the West African market, necessitating efforts to promote intra-African trade
- Kenya aims to differentiate itself by diversifying tea products, launching Orthodox tea auctions, and leveraging financial support for trade expansion
Kenyan tea exporters are strategizing to tap into the West African market in the wake of Sudan's trade ban, which has disrupted a crucial market for Kenyan tea. George Omuga, Managing Director of the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), sheds light on the current state of affairs and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a platform for Kenya to enhance its tea exports to West Africa, but obstacles such as tariff and non-tariff barriers persist. Omuga underscores the need for promoting intra-African trade and diversifying tea products to gain a competitive edge in the West African market. By launching Orthodox tea auctions and embracing the AfCFTA framework, Kenya aims to establish a foothold in West Africa's tea industry. Financial institutions are stepping in to provide trade financing solutions and de-risk expansion efforts, while the Kenyan government is poised to offer support to boost the value-added tea sector. Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and government entities are underway to propel Kenyan tea onto the shelves of West African countries, signaling a promising future for the nation's tea trade.
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