Sudan Lifts Ban on Kenyan Tea, Reopening a Key Export Market

Sudan has lifted its ban on Kenyan tea imports, giving farmers and exporters a welcome boost. Trade Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub ordered the restrictions removed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. He also directed all relevant authorities to put the decision into effect right away.

The move followed approval from Sudan's Sovereignty Council. That body signed off on the decision in a letter dated November 2, 2026. A Cabinet communication followed on November 5, 2026, setting the stage for the change.

Kenya depends heavily on overseas buyers for its tea. The crop earns large sums of foreign exchange. Sudan is one of the country's most important export destinations, so the reopening matters for the sector.

The ban dates back to March 2025. Sudan suspended all imports from Kenya after Nairobi hosted the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

The rebel group is fighting the Sudanese army for control of the country. Sudan's notice barred tea from entering through ports, railways, and airports. It said the step protected its national interests and security.

The RSF and other rebel groups signed a political charter in Nairobi on February 22, 2025. The document aimed to create a parallel administration to the Sudanese government. 

Two days later, Sudan's Assistant Foreign Minister, Hussein Al Fadil, warned that a ban on Kenyan imports could follow. He accused Kenya of meddling in Sudan's affairs and hosting events for the RSF.

The ban proved costly for Kenyan exporters. Tea worth more than Ksh3.1 billion was either in transit or waiting for shipment when Sudan stopped the imports. The lifting of the restrictions is expected to restore those trade flows and open fresh opportunities for exporters.