Sudan has lifted the ban on Kenyan tea imports it imposed in March 2025, President William Ruto announced on 11 November. Trade and Industry Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub signed the order on 8 November, after Ruto held talks with Prime Minister Kamil Idris at a regional summit in Harare. Khartoum banned the tea after Nairobi hosted meetings at which the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups signed a charter for a parallel government. Sudan bought 15.9 million kilograms of Kenyan tea worth $29.6 million in 2023, Business Daily reported, citing official data, and reopening that market supports Kenyan growers and exporters. The decision also shows Sudan’s army-led government easing its trade pressure on Nairobi.
Sources
- Business Daily: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/markets/commodities/sudan-lifts-20-month-ban-on-kenyan-tea-after-ruto-deal-5667376
- The Standard: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001562051/ruto-welcomes-sudans-move-to-lift-tea-ban-but-avoids-nairobis-role-in-dispute
- Capital FM (via allAfrica): https://allafrica.com/stories/202611110500.html
- KBC: https://www.kbc.co.ke/relief-for-tea-farmers-as-sudan-lifts-import-ban/