Uganda champions sustainable tea trade at Africa Trade Consortium

Uganda has taken centre stage at the Africa Trade Consortium’s 2025 Tea Break Edition in Abuja, Nigeria, with a powerful presentation of its thriving tea industry as a model for sustainable growth and regional trade.

Held under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Tea Industry Potential”, the high-profile event was organised by PR Times Africa and attracted key stakeholders from across the continent’s trade, export, investment, and diplomatic sectors.

The consortium also served as a strategic platform for promoting intra-African cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In his keynote address titled “Uganda’s Tea Industry: A Model for Sustainable Growth and Regional Trade”, Ambassador Philip Odida, chargé d’affaires, who represented Uganda, spotlighted Uganda’s tea sector as one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners and a shining example of sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Sam Omara remarks. (Courtesy Photo)

He emphasised Uganda’s commitment to enhancing intra-African trade through collaborative ventures, knowledge exchange, and regional partnerships.

“We invite you, through the African Trade Consortium 2025, to experience the unique flavours and exceptional quality of Ugandan tea,” Odida said.

“Partnerships and collaborations are key to unlocking Africa’s tea potential. Uganda is ready to engage with stakeholders to boost intra-African trade and position African tea on the global stage.”

The event drew participation from prominent figures, including Dr Sam Omara, minister counsellor at the Ugandan High Commission in Abuja; the Ambassadors of Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria; top Nigerian federal officials; private sector players; agribusiness experts; and media representatives. Discussions focused on expanding African tea markets, enhancing regional value chains, and aligning policy frameworks with AfCFTA goals.

The Ugandan High Commission used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to fostering bilateral and multilateral trade ties and supporting African-led initiatives that promote sustainability, economic integration, and shared prosperity.

“The Tea Break Edition has proven to be more than just a trade show,” said Dr Omara. “It is a visionary space for shaping the future of Africa’s tea industry, and Uganda is proud to contribute to this pan-African dialogue.”

Uganda is currently Africa’s third-largest tea producer after Kenya and Malawi, and ranks among the continent’s top five exporters.

According to the Uganda Export Promotion Board, Uganda exported approximately 70,000 metric tonnes of tea in 2023, generating over USD 90 million in revenue. The bulk of these exports go to Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates.

The industry also employs an estimated 60,000 smallholder farmers and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods, particularly in the districts of Bushenyi, Kabarole, Kanungu, Mitooma, and Zombo.