KHARTOUM – Sudan has lifted a nearly 20-month ban on Kenyan tea imports, reopening one of Kenya’s important export markets after a diplomatic dispute between Khartoum and Nairobi.
Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed the decision on Wednesday, saying it followed talks with Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris on the sidelines of the COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Ruto said reopening the Sudanese market would restore opportunities for Kenyan exporters and support tea farmers and their families.
Sudan’s Industry and Trade Ministry formally lifted the restriction through Ministerial Order No. 25 of 2026, signed by Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub on Nov. 8.
Kenyan media reported that the decision followed approval from Sudan’s Sovereignty Council on Nov. 2 and a Cabinet communication on Nov. 5.
Sudan imposed restrictions on Kenyan imports in March 2025 amid deteriorating relations after Nairobi hosted meetings involving the Rapid Support Forces and allied political and armed groups.
Khartoum at the time accused Kenya of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs, while Nairobi defended its engagement as part of efforts involving Sudanese actors.
The ban significantly disrupted Kenya’s tea trade with Sudan, historically one of the commodity’s major African markets.
Kenyan industry figures cited in local media showed exports to Sudan falling sharply during the restrictions, while exporters also faced losses from tea already prepared for shipment.
Sudan had historically imported tens of millions of kilograms of Kenyan tea annually.
Ruto said the decision demonstrated the potential of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations and expanded trade between the two countries.
The ministerial order specifically lifts the ban on Kenyan tea. It was not immediately clear whether restrictions affecting other Kenyan products had also been removed.
