Tanzania seeks to expand tea exports to Egypt amid strengthened bilateral trade talks 

TANZANIA – Tanzania is intensifying efforts to grow its share of the Egyptian tea market, following renewed diplomatic and trade discussions that signal expanded commercial opportunities for the sector.  

The latest engagement took place in Dar es Salaam, where Egypt’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Sherif Ismail, met with Tanzania Tea Board (TTB) Director General, Beatrice Banzi, to explore ways of strengthening cooperation in the tea industry. 

The meeting focused on identifying practical measures to increase Tanzania’s tea exports to Egypt, a key global tea-consuming nation.  

Ambassador Ismail noted Egypt’s readiness to enhance trade collaboration with Tanzania across multiple sectors, highlighting tea as a priority area for future commercial engagement. 

He explained that although the two countries belong to different regional economic blocs, Egypt under COMESA and Tanzania under the EAC and SADC, there remains ample room to negotiate special arrangements that facilitate smoother tea trade. 

According to the Ambassador, simplified trade agreements would help accelerate the movement of tea between both nations and unlock greater opportunities for exporters. 

“For tea to move more easily between our countries, it is essential to put in place agreements that facilitate and encourage this trade. We see great potential in expanding tea trade,” he said, emphasising that streamlined procedures would benefit producers and consumers on both sides. 

Recent data from the United Nations COMTRADE database shows that Tanzania exported tea valued at US$486.34 thousand to Egypt in 2024. The updated statistics, last reviewed in November, reflect ongoing interest in agricultural trade between the two countries. 

Discussions also highlighted Egypt’s significant tea consumption, with per-capita intake averaging around one kilogramme per year. Officials noted that this level of demand presents considerable potential for Tanzanian producers seeking to strengthen their presence in the market. 

The Egyptian Embassy welcomed the TTB’s engagement and extended an invitation for the Board to participate in upcoming bilateral trade and investment forums.  

TTB Director General Banzi described the talks as encouraging, stating that the discussions reaffirmed Egypt’s strong interest in sourcing Tanzanian tea. She said the renewed cooperation offered the sector a valuable opportunity to expand exports. 

“We are pleased with the willingness shown by the Egyptian Embassy to work closely with us in expanding the presence of Tanzanian tea in their market,” she said, adding that structured collaboration and improved trade facilitation will support export growth. 

She noted that the TTB remains committed to providing reliable sector data, enhancing quality standards, and assisting exporters to meet market specifications. 

Tanzania’s tea industry is projecting production of up to 30,000 tonnes this year, up from 22,000 tonnes last season, indicating renewed momentum in the sector. 

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