Sudan has officially ended a 20-month ban on Kenyan tea imports through a new ministerial order. The decision, signed by Sudan’s Minister of Industry and Trade Mahasin Ali Yaqoub, allows Kenyan tea to re-enter the Sudanese market. The ban had left millions of kilograms of tea stranded in Mombasa and disrupted a market valued in billions of shillings.
The new order, Ministerial Order No. 25 of 2026, takes effect immediately. It follows pressure from Kenyan authorities, including President Ruto, who welcomed the move as a step toward restoring access to Sudan’s market. Kenyan tea exporters had faced significant financial losses due to the prolonged embargo.
The trade restriction, imposed in early 2024, created uncertainty for both countries. Sudanese officials had cited regulatory and quality concerns as reasons for the ban. However, the lifting of the ban is expected to revive trade relations and provide relief to Kenyan exporters.
This marks a significant shift in bilateral trade policy. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize regional economic ties. The resumption of tea imports is seen as a positive sign for cross-border commerce in the region.
The situation highlights the impact of trade restrictions on agricultural exports. The tea industry in Kenya has long relied on Sudan as a major market. The ban disrupted supply chains and affected livelihoods. The new order aims to address these challenges and restore normal trade flows.
The resolution of this dispute reflects broader trends in regional economic cooperation. As both nations seek to strengthen trade ties, the lifting of the ban could serve as a model for resolving similar trade disputes in the future.
