Editor's Review

Sudan has lifted its ban on tea imports from Kenya after 20 months. 

Sudan has lifted its ban on tea imports from Kenya after 20 months. 

The ban was lifted through Ministerial Order No. 25 of 2026, signed by Sudan's Minister of Industry and Trade, Mahasin Ali Yaqoub, on November 8. 

Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.

According to the order, the decision was made following approval by Sudan's Sovereignty Council through a letter dated November 2, 2026, and subsequent communication from the Cabinet on November 5, 2026.

“This decision shall be called ‘Minister of Industry and Trade Decision No. (25) of 2026 lifting the ban on tea imports from Kenya’ and shall come into effect from the date of its signing. 

Read More

  1. Uganda Among 23 Countries on US 'Do Not Travel' List in Latest Travel Advisory
  2. Gov't Halts Sea Exports of 4 Avocado Varieties
  3. KFS Announces New Electronic System for Forest Product Permits

“The ban on tea imports from Kenya is lifted. All relevant authorities shall implement this decision,” the order read in part. 

File image of tea leaves. 

The Tea Board of Kenya welcomed the decision, saying it presents renewed opportunities to restore export volumes, recover earnings and strengthen trade relations between the two nations. 

“The lifting of the ban presents renewed opportunities to restore export volumes, recover earnings, strengthen bilateral trade and expand market access for Kenyan tea,” the board stated. 

The board mentioned that during the ban, the volume of tea exports declined from 20 million kg to 8.7 million kg and export earnings fell from Ksh4.5 billion to Ksh1.93 billion.

Sudan had imposed a ban on all imports from Kenya in March 2025, in protest of the country’s decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. 

In a letter, Sudan’s Trade Ministry said products from Kenya would not be allowed in the country until further notice.

“The import of all products coming from the State of Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and outlets is suspended, effective from this date until further notice. All concerned parties must implement the decision,” the letter read in part.

The letter noted that the directive is based on Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2024 and in accordance with the powers stipulated in Cabinet Decision No. 104 of 2021.

It was also based on recommendations from a committee formed to address Kenya’s hosting of the RSF, its allies, and its sponsors.