Giving opening statement, the Managing Director East Africa Tea Tradei Association Mr George Omuga said that Africa is well positioned to do this. It is recognised for high-quality tea, efficient large-scale production, established international markets, and strong distribution and marketing capabilities.

On his part the Managing Director Finlays Kenya Mombasa Ltd. Mr Wesley Bosuben said that Africa should move beyond increasing production and focus on increasing the value generated and retained from that production.

Globally, countries such as China and India combine large-scale production with substantial domestic consumption.

Kenya, by contrast, produces significant volumes but has relatively low domestic per-capita consumption. This presents an opportunity to develop a stronger domestic market rather than relying predominantly on exports.

The same opportunity exists across Africa. The continent produces substantial volumes of tea, yet consumption per person remains relatively low. Even a significant increase in domestic and regional consumption could create additional demand and absorb a greater share of African production.

On Uganda Perspective,the Tea stakeholders focus on shifting from Raw bulk export to value added processed tea,while alligning to boast local branding thus fetching global prices. The Uganda delegation to the conference was led by Ms Victoria Ashabahebwa the Chairperson of Uganda Tea Association and a Board Member of East Africa Tea Trade Association.

The future of Africa’s tea industry, therefore, is not only about producing more. It is about building stronger domestic and regional markets, increasing consumption, deepening market access, and ultimately retaining more value at the origin.