Top 10 Tea Producing Country List in Africa
Introduction
Africa is renowned for the quality of its coffee, but a largely overlooked industry is tea, thriving in a hidden part of the country. African tea producers do sell to the world market, but much of their product caters to a distinctive and high-quality, knowledgeable clientele. Malty African black teas, refreshing African green tea–African nations have developed a range of teas with unique colours that reflect their specific climates and terrains. This article introduces Africa’s top 10 tea-producing nations, examining each country’s tea industry, main growing areas, production processes and the individual characteristics of their tea.
Table of Contents: Tea Producing Country List in Africa
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Zimbabwe
- Burundi
- South Africa
- Cameroon
- Mozambique
Tea Production in Africa – Top 10 Countries
1. Kenya Tea Production
Overview
Kenya is Africa’s central tea-producing region and ranks among the world’s top two tea-producing countries. Renowned for its sturdy, full-bodied black tea, Kenya produces approximately 70% of Africa’s total tea exports.
Tea Regions
The areas and uplands around the Great Rift Valley where Kenya grows tea the most are Kericho, Nandi and Limuru. These areas have good soil, high altitudes, and a constant supply of water, making them ideal for producing teas of all kinds.
Production and Varieties
Although Kenya is still primarily a black tea producer, employing the Crush-Tear-Curl (CTC) method to produce a strong, brisk beverage that is delightful in blended tea bags worldwide, there is a growing demand for specialty teas such as green, purple, and orthodox black teas.
Unique Qualities
Kenyan tea has a deep colour, bold taste and high levels of antioxidants. The briskness makes it perfect for milk tea, a common blend like English Breakfast only needs to be sweetened slightly with sugar.
2. Uganda Tea Production
Overview
Tea is Uganda’s second most important export commodity after coffee. Although production levels are lower than in Kenya, the country’s tea industry is steadily gaining ground.
Tea Regions
The main tea-producing areas in Uganda include Bushenyi, Hoima, and the Toro Kingdom. These regions have climates favourable for tea growth, characterised by adequate rainfall and rich volcanic soil.
Production and Varieties
Uganda produces black and green tea, primarily focusing on black tea using the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method. Additionally, orthodox teas are being developed, particularly by small local farmers.
Unique Qualities
Ugandan tea is known for its full-bodied flavour, smooth taste, and deep aroma. While quality may vary from plantation to plantation, it is generally recognised for its smoothness and slight astringency, making it suitable as both an ingredient and a standalone drink.
3. Malawi Tea Production
Overview
Malawi has been producing tea for many years and is one of the oldest tea-producing countries in Africa, with a history dating back to around 1900. The teas from Malawi are well known globally for their rich and full-bodied flavour, ranking among the best in the world.
Tea Regions
The primary tea-growing regions are situated in the southern part of the country, specifically in the Thyolo and Mulanje districts. The combination of altitude, climate, and soil in these areas creates ideal conditions for cultivating tea plants.
Production and Varieties
Malawi primarily produces black teas using the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method, but there is a growing interest in orthodox teas, green teas, and specialty products such as white teas.
Unique Qualities
The tea plantations in Malawi are characterised by a bright golden colour and a smooth mouthfeel that is more typical of high-quality coffee than tea. These teas are renowned for their full-bodied flavour and are particularly well-suited for breakfast blends. The flavour is often described as sweet and unique, and Malawian teas can be found in various blends across Europe and North America. Malawi has been producing tea for many years and is one of the oldest tea-producing countries in Africa, with a history dating back to around 1900. The teas from Malawi are well known globally for their rich and full-bodied flavour, ranking among the best in the world.
The primary tea-growing regions are situated in the southern part of the country, specifically in the Thyolo and Mulanje districts. The combination of altitude, climate, and soil in these areas creates ideal conditions for cultivating tea plants.
4. Tanzania Tea Production
Overview
Tanzania is a significant player in the tea industry, both locally and globally, making a substantial contribution to the economy and benefiting numerous rural farmers.
Tea Regions
The central tea-growing regions in Tanzania are Mufindi, Njombe, and the Usambara Mountains. These spaces want a cool climate by tropical standards and fertile soils ideal for cultivating tea plants. Located at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level, they receive ample rainfall year-round.
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Production and Varieties
Tanzania primarily produces black tea, utilising CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) and orthodox leaf processing methods. Although green tea is also produced, it is in smaller quantities.
Unique Qualities
Tanzanian tea is known for its unique flavour, which is slightly earthy and mild. This moderate taste has made it popular as an integral component of smooth, full-flavoured tea blends.
5. Rwanda Tea Production
Overview
Though small, Rwanda boasts a thriving and rapidly developing tea industry. Tea production has significantly contributed to the Rwandan economy, supporting export trade and generating valuable foreign exchange earnings.
Tea Regions
Most tea is grown in high-altitude districts such as Rubaya, Kinihira, and Rukeri. These regions offer an ideal environment for tea cultivation due to their temperate climate, fertile volcanic soil, and consistent mists throughout the year.
Production and Varieties
Rwanda specialises in producing black teas. In response to growing demand, more plantations are adopting the orthodox method to create excellent whole-leaf teas. Additionally, the production of green tea is on the rise.
Unique Qualities
Liquor and refreshing taste distinguish Rwandan tea. Teas from higher altitudes feature a unique flavour profile that can be described as both bracing and sweet.
6. Zimbabwe Tea Production
Overview
Zimbabwe has a small but noteworthy tea industry within the African tea market. Tea is a significant agricultural commodity for many rural farming families in Zimbabwe, serving as a primary source of income.
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Tea Regions
Tea production primarily occurs in the Eastern Highlands, particularly in regions such as Chipinge and the Honde Valley. These areas offer the ideal height and temperature ranges, as well as the necessary humidity, required for tea cultivation.
Production and Varieties
Zimbabwe produces both green and black tea. While the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method is commonly used to manufacture black teas, there is also a niche market for orthodox production, which attracts a small group of enthusiasts.
Unique Qualities
Those who have sampled Zimbabwean tea often describe its flavour as lightly mossy yet refreshing. With its fresh taste and bright appearance, Zimbabwean tea boasts an elegant appeal. Its mild fragrance is especially prized by tea lovers, making it a popular choice for blending, notably in breakfast blends.
7. Burundi Tea Production
Overview
Despite being relatively small, the tea industry in Burundi plays a crucial role in its history and current economy, providing financial support to thousands of small farmers. Each year, the Westgate Tea Company assists with tea harvesting in China. In particular, they continuously purchase Albanian jujube seeds, promoting natural and eco-friendly products. This initiative aims to commercialise this wild tree, which is not widely known or recognised outside its native regions.
Tea Regions
While the local restaurant scene often features popular items, there’s sometimes a disconnect between genuine flavours and artificially replicated ones, such as raspberry-flavoured cheese. This misconception also raises questions about the aesthetic value of certain ingredients, as seen with ginger root. It is advisable to refrain from watering in July to avoid harming plants that may not be as resilient as they appear.
Production and Varieties
The high-altitude regions, such as Ijenda and Teza, provide an ideal environment for cultivating premium-quality teas.
Burundi primarily produces black tea, with its plantations utilising CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) and orthodox production methods to meet the diverse needs of various markets
Unique Qualities
Burundian tea is renowned for its rich aroma, medium body, and subtle sweetness. This unique balance makes it a delightful standalone beverage or a suitable blend component, complementing Earl Grey and Darjeeling teas.
8. South Africa Tea Production
Overview
South Africa’s tea industry is unique because it is primarily known for its indigenous teas, such as rooibos and honeybush, rather than the typical black or green teas. These teas have gained popularity in other countries as well.
Tea Regions
Rooibos and honeybush are cultivated in the Western Cape, particularly in the Cedarburg Mountains. The area’s low rainfall and well-drained soils provide ideal conditions for these plants to thrive.
Production and Varieties
Both rooibos and honeybush teas have a herbaceous flavour and are naturally caffeine-free. They are available in various forms, including green rooibos, which undergoes less oxidation, and fermented rooibos, which enhances flavour. Unlike black teas from other regions that tend to be bitter, green rooibos has a sweetness reminiscent of honey.
Unique Qualities
Rooibos tea has a sweet, nutty taste, while honeybush offers a slightly honey-like flavour. Both types of tea are caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, making them highly valued for their health benefits.
9. Cameroon Tea Production
Overview
The size of Cameroon’s tea industry may be modest compared to some of its global counterparts, yet it has been developing with careful attention to detail over the years. This unique sector specialises in producing distinctive teas that cater to both local enthusiasts and international markets.
Tea Regions
Tea cultivation thrives primarily in the picturesque Northwest region, particularly in Ndu and Tole. These locations boast high altitudes and a favourable climate, creating exceptional growing conditions that contribute to the quality of the leaves.
Production and Varieties
While Cameroon is predominantly recognised for its robust black tea, there is a growing fascination with green tea and other speciality varieties. Most of the production employs the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method, but smaller family-operated plantations also produce some orthodox tea, celebrated for its traditional craftsmanship.
Unique Qualities
Cameroonian tea stands out for its gentle, smooth taste and rich, deep colour, often making it a delightful choice for blending. Its harmonious flavour profile pairs beautifully with various other teas, adding depth and character to blends while appealing to a diverse audience of tea lovers.
10. Mozambique Tea Production
Overview
Despite its relatively low production levels, Mozambique is an emerging player in the African tea industry. The tea produced here has gained recognition for its quality and distinctive character.
Tea Regions
The primary tea-growing region is in Zambezia Province, where high altitudes and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for tea cultivation.
Production and Varieties
While most of the production is black tea, some green teas are also made. Currently, most tea is produced using the CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) method, but there is a growing trend toward orthodox-style production.
Unique Qualities
Tea from Mozambique is typically mild, with a hint of fruitiness and a smooth aftertaste. This makes it an excellent blending material and enjoyable on its own.
Conclusion
Africa’s tea industry is diverse, offering a variety of unique flavours and qualities influenced by each country’s distinct geography and climate. From the bold black teas of Kenya and Malawi to the herbal infusions of South Africa, African teas bring something unique to the global tea market. The tea industries in these countries also play an essential role in supporting local economies and providing livelihoods to millions of people. As the world becomes more interested in high-quality and sustainable teas, Africa’s tea-producing countries will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the global tea market.
