The process of lifting Sudan’s ban on Kenyan tea exports has reached its final stages, raising hopes of renewed trade between the two countries.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi said progress had been made following sustained appeals by Kenyan tea farmers, traders, exporters and other stakeholders in the sector.
“The process of lifting the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Sudan has reached its final stages,” the embassy said.
The move is expected to restore Kenyan tea exporters’ access to the Sudanese market and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.
The embassy expressed optimism that the development would usher in a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation, allowing businesses in both countries to resume engagement and prepare for renewed trade.
Sudan suspended imports from Kenya early last year in protest after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is fighting the Sudanese army in a civil war, held meetings in Nairobi and signed a founding charter outlining plans to establish a parallel government in Sudan.
The Sudanese government said the import ban was intended to preserve the country’s sovereignty and “protect its national security”.
Kenya exports several products to Sudan, with tea accounting for a significant share of the trade. Other exports include coffee, tobacco, soaps, electrical equipment and pharmaceutical products.
Lifting the restrictions would provide Kenyan tea traders and exporters with an opportunity to resume business in the Sudanese market and help restore trade relations between the two countries.
