By Burnett Munthali
Trust Africa, an organization dedicated to promoting fair value distribution in the tea sector, has underscored the crop’s significant potential to boost foreign exchange earnings and secure jobs across African nations. Beatrice Makwenda, the organization’s representative for Southern Africa, made these remarks during the 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition, currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda.
The convention has facilitated the participation of tea associations from Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Mozambique, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance the region’s tea trade.
In her presentation, Makwenda highlighted the urgent need to establish conditions that support meaningful and profitable participation of smallholder farmers in the tea industry. “For the continent to realize more from tea trade, we need to ensure that the producers, a majority of whom are women, receive fair value for their produce. Additionally, it is crucial to improve their access to and control over land, ensuring they work under legal and safe conditions,” she stated.
The ongoing conference and exhibition, themed “Harmony in a Cup: Promoting Tea for People and Planet,” aims to foster discussions on sustainable practices and the social responsibility of the tea sector. By bringing together stakeholders from various regions, Trust Africa hopes to create a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies that can lead to a more equitable and prosperous tea industry in Africa.
As the continent grapples with economic challenges, Trust Africa’s advocacy for the tea sector’s development reflects a broader commitment to improving livelihoods and empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women, who play a vital role in tea production.
