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.
Kenya’s tea industry has secured renewed access to the Sudanese market after the North African country officially lifted its ban on tea imports from Kenya, removing a trade restriction that had blocked exporters from accessing the 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.
