Currently, global tea cultivation covers about 60 countries and regions, while the consumer market for tea spans more than 160 countries and regions, making tea one of the most active products in agricultural trade. Today, we will focus on the status and development of the tea industry in Africa.
The world's tea production is mainly distributed in the two continents of Asia and Africa, which together account for nearly 97% of the total global tea production. The Asian region, with China, Sri Lanka and India as the main producers, contributes most of the Asian tea supply. Africa, on the other hand, has more than ten countries actively involved in tea cultivation, mainly in East Africa, with a few of them also having tea industries in the central and southern regions. The major tea producing regions in Africa include the countries of Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique, which account for 91% of the total tea production in Africa.
Kenya, officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is located in eastern Africa, straddling the equator. Its geographical characteristics include an altitude of 1500 to 2700 meters above sea level, a savannah climate, year-round temperatures between 14 ℃ and 26 ℃, abundant rainfall and sunshine, so it is very suitable for the planting and growth of tea. Kenya's soil, especially the slightly acidic volcanic ash soil located on both sides of the East African Rift Valley, is particularly suitable for the growth of tea trees.
The history of tea in Kenya dates back to 1903, when the Englishman Kaina first introduced the tea plant to the Limuru region. From 1920 onwards, large-scale tea cultivation was gradually realized in Kenya, and the techniques and management concepts of tea cultivation continue to this day. In just a short period of 100 years, the tea industry in Kenya has made rapid development.
Kenya produces black tea, also known as "black tea", its tea soup shows orange-red, has a strong tea aroma and mellow taste, good quality, moderate price, so by the European and American markets. This high-quality tea makes Kenya become one of the important countries in the global production and export of tea, and is also the largest tea producer in Africa. The tea industry plays an important role in Kenya's economy and is considered one of the country's top three foreign exchange earning industries.
There are about 600,000 small-scale tea farmers in Kenya, with 100,000 hectares of tea plantations and more than 60 tea processing factories, and the number of people employed in tea production is about 5 million. Although affected by unfavorable weather factors such as drought, Kenya's tea production in 2021 will be about 800,000 tons, a decrease of about 7% from the previous year. However, tea sales are on an upward trend, with sales revenues of about KES 229 billion (about US$1.27 billion), the highest level in the past five years.
Malawi, once known as Nyasaland before independence in 1964, was a German colony. As a result, Malawi's tea is also known as "Nyasaland tea" and is the second most important tea producer in Africa after Kenya.
The main tea producing areas in Malawi are located in the south-eastern part of Lake Nyasa and on the slopes of the mountains, including Milanje, Zomba, Goro, Blantyre and other places. Tea is the second largest foreign exchange earning crop in Malawi, accounting for about 8% of the country's export earnings and contributing 7% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). About 60,000 people work in various segments of the national tea industry, while tea-related industries involve 1.5 million people.
Malawi's annual tea production is around 50,000 tons, with the production of black tea dominating. The black tea produced in Malawi is clear and of medium to high quality and is made from the Indian Tea Tree variety. As a result, the method of grading and production of the tea is similar to Ceylon and Indian teas. However, it is important to note that the tea tree varieties grown in Malawi are relatively low in yield and quality. Therefore, a change in the varieties of tea grown is imperative to ensure the sustainability of the tea industry.
Uganda, located in eastern Africa, is an agro-pastoralist dominated country. Agriculture accounts for 70% of Uganda's GDP and 95% of its export earnings, with tea being one of its major cash crops.
Uganda's tea-producing regions are mainly located in the west and southwest, including Toro, Ankoli, Brioro, Kigezi, Mubendi, Usaka and others. As an emerging tea producer, the Ugandan government has taken a number of measures in recent years to encourage tea farmers to expand production. They have also put in place a fairer and more rational export competition mechanism, relaxed export licensing restrictions and adopted a diversified export policy. These initiatives have attracted more companies to participate in the production and export of tea, as well as promoting foreign investment.
Uganda is primarily a producer of black tea, whose flavor is on the strong side. Black tea is often served with milk to make milk tea, a very popular combination. In addition, there is another way to drink it is to add ginger juice, which is also quite popular among the locals.
Tanzania is a famous black tea producer in Africa, and its black tea production areas are mainly distributed in the south, northeast and northwest, especially concentrated in the areas along Lake Victoria, such as Bukoba and other places. Among them, the largest production area is the southern plateau, whose production accounts for about 70% of the total national production.
Tanzania was first exposed to black tea in 1902, while commercial production began in 1926. Today, black tea is one of Tanzania's traditional export commodities. Due to its climatic conditions, Tanzania is suitable for tea production almost all year round. Tanzania mainly uses the CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) method of tea production, with an average annual production of around 30,000 tons. However, due to climatic factors, drought and lack of rainfall may pose a threat to tea production. As a result, Tanzania is considering the introduction of new tea tree varieties from countries such as Kenya to help tea farmers increase production.
Mozambique's tea-producing regions are mainly located in the South Moultrie and Mlange mountain regions. Agriculture plays an important role in Mozambique's economy, with about 81% of the labor force engaged in agriculture-related work. Tea is a very important cash crop in Mozambique, with an annual production of about 10,000 tons. As a result, tea processing has also become a major component of the country's processing industry.
Senegal is a country located in West Africa, which faces the Pacific Ocean and is distant from Cuba in the Caribbean. The locals are very fond of tea, and similar to Morocco, they are fond of green tea. Tea drinking has become a habit in Senegal and people often enjoy three cups of tea after three meals. A blend of green tea and mint is very popular here as it provides a cooling sensation that is perfect for the hot, dry, desert climate lifestyle. This green tea and mint blend is considered one of the most iconic drinks of Chinese green tea abroad.
In Senegal, Chinese green tea is so well known that it is almost a household name. Young and old, people are very familiar with it. Impressively, in 2017, Chinese tea exports to Senegal and other countries and regions exceeded 10,000 tons. This shows the wide influence of Chinese tea in the international market.
Indeed, China's green tea has wide popularity and influence in the world tea market. The fact that Senegal is one of the tea importing countries also shows the popularity of Chinese tea in the international market. The climate and soil conditions of the East African countries are suitable for tea cultivation, which provides a vast opportunity for the development of China's tea industry.
By growing and promoting Chinese tea in the African region, mutual benefits can be realized. China's rich tea tree varieties and high-level tea-making technology can inject new vitality into the local tea industry and improve the quality and competitiveness of tea. Such cooperation can also promote cultural exchanges, further deepen cooperation between China and African countries, jointly promote the "Belt and Road" initiative, promote trade and people-to-people exchanges, and realize the goal of common development. Therefore, Chinese tea is expected to play a greater role in the vast African market.