10 biggest tea markets in Africa

At a Glance

• Africa’s tea market targets $5.81 billion by 2030, powered by exports and health-focused consumption.
• Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Rwanda anchor supply across global black and specialty tea markets.
• Egypt and Morocco rank among world’s largest tea importers, driving Africa’s consumption growth.

The biggest tea markets in Africa are quietly reshaping the continent’s agribusiness landscape, combining export strength with rising domestic consumption driven by health-conscious consumers.

Africa’s tea industry is projected to reach $5.81 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.7 percent CAGR, supported by population growth, export demand, and premiumization trends.

Africa occupies a dual position in the global tea economy, serving as both a leading production hub and a fast-growing consumption market.

East and Southern Africa anchor supply, while North Africa drives imports and demand. Below are the 10 biggest tea markets as profiled by Shore Africa shaping Africa’s tea economy today:

1. Kenya
Africa’s tea giant and the world’s largest black tea exporter. Kenya accounts for over half of Africa’s output, with strong smallholder participation and global buyers spanning Pakistan, Egypt, and the UK.

2. Egypt
Africa’s largest tea consumer and importer. Egypt’s deep-rooted tea culture sustains massive demand, making it a critical destination market despite negligible domestic production.

3. Uganda
A fast-rising producer leveraging low-cost farming and improving yields. Uganda’s tea exports continue to gain traction in Middle Eastern and regional African markets.

4. Malawi
Southern Africa’s tea backbone, known for estate-based production. Malawi supplies both bulk and specialty teas, with the UK remaining a key export destination.

5. Rwanda
A premium-focused producer punching above its weight. Rwanda’s high-quality teas command better pricing, driven by strong private-sector investment and export-led growth.

6. Tanzania
A steady producer with room for expansion. Tanzania’s tea industry is supported by smallholders and estates, supplying regional markets and niche export buyers.

7. Morocco
A major importer shaped by strong green tea consumption. Morocco’s market underpins North Africa’s tea trade, fueled by cultural habits and urban demand.

8. South Africa
A diversified tea market anchored by rooibos. While not a major black tea producer, South Africa dominates herbal and wellness-focused tea exports globally.

9. Ethiopia
An emerging tea market better known for coffee. Ethiopia’s tea segment is expanding slowly, driven by domestic consumption and early-stage commercial plantations.

10. Mozambique
A smaller but notable producer with export ambitions. Mozambique’s tea sector is rebuilding, supported by estate investments and regional trade links.