Sudan lifts ban on Kenyan tea imports, reopening export market

The decision was formalised through Ministerial Order No. 25 of 2026, issued by Sudan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade on November 8 and signed by Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub.

The order, titled Lifting of the Ban on Tea Imports from Kenya, revokes the existing restriction and directs all relevant authorities to implement the decision, which took effect immediately upon signing.

The move followed approval by Sudan’s Sovereignty Council through a letter dated November 2, 2026, and a subsequent Cabinet communication issued on November 5.

Commenting on the lifting of the ban President William Ruto said:

"Following my engagement with Sudan’s Prime Minister, Professor Kamil Idris, on the sidelines of the COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, I am pleased that Sudan has lifted its ban on Kenyan tea imports, ending a restriction that had been in place for 20 months.

"Kenya welcomes and appreciates this decision, which reopens an important market for our tea, restores opportunities for our exporters and supports the livelihoods of our farmers and their families," President Ruto posted on social media.

"This progress demonstrates what dialogue and constructive diplomacy can achieve. We look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations, expanding trade and working together for peace, stability and shared prosperity in our region."

The lifting of the ban comes after a high-level diplomatic mission to Sudan, which a senior Kenyan government official described as an exercise in “economic-intelligence-led diplomacy” aimed at addressing trade barriers and securing market access for Kenyan products.

The decision is expected to create opportunities for Kenyan tea exporters to restore commercial ties with Sudanese importers and explore renewed trade prospects in the market.

Sudan’s return to the list of accessible markets could provide an additional outlet for Kenyan tea, a major agricultural export that supports millions of livelihoods and contributes to the country's foreign exchange earnings.

Smallholder farmers and other players across the tea value chain could benefit from improved market access if export volumes recover and demand strengthens following the removal of the restriction.

The development also highlights the role of diplomatic engagement in advancing Kenya’s commercial interests, particularly in addressing regulatory and administrative barriers affecting agricultural exports.

However, the ministerial order does not specify the volume or value of tea Sudan expects to import from Kenya, nor does it indicate when commercial shipments are likely to resume.

The lifting of the restriction therefore provides the legal and regulatory clearance for trade to resume, although the scale and pace of the recovery will depend on commercial arrangements between exporters and Sudanese buyers.