From Kenya to Malawi or Rwanda : the tea production in Africa !
Africa is home to over a dozen tea-producing countries and annually contributes an increasing share to global tea production. Today, Africa accounts for 12% of global tea production. With Home of Thamani, discover the diversity and uniqueness of African terroirs through our selection of teas.
Kenya
With over 150,000 hectares dedicated to tea cultivation and producing 570,000 tonnes of tea in 2023, Kenya is the 3rd largest tea producer globally and the leading exporter, accounting for 22% of global tea exports.
Tea production in Kenya is dominated by small-scale farmers, often organized into cooperatives, where tea leaves are still hand-picked using traditional methods.
Tea production is concentrated in the highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley (a mountain range from 1500m to 2700m), offering an ideal climate for tea production: long sunny days with regular rainfall throughout the year, combined with nutrient-rich red volcanic soil.
We chose to manufacture our flavored teas in Kenya to promote fair trade and support positive societal impact.
Discover our collection of flavored teas produced in Kenya.
Malawi
Malawi was the first African country to introduce tea cultivation in 1878. Today, tea is the country's primary cash crop after cotton.
Bvumbwe Treasure, our black tea from Malawi, is a rare tea, produced twice a year after the rainy seasons using artisanal methods. Its leaves come from an endemic tea plant variety in Malawi called “Bvumbwe.”
The harvest season, the specific cultivar, and the artisanal production method give this black tea its unique fruity flavors.
Discover our grand cru black tea from Malawi: Bvumbwe Treasure, with fruity notes reminiscent of white peach.
Tanzania
Tanzania produces 40,000 tonnes of tea annually, primarily black tea from the regions of Mbeya and Iringa in the south, as well as the Usambara mountains in the northeast, around Lake Victoria in the northwest, and recently in the Kilimanjaro region in the far north.
Our grand cru teas Kilimanjaro Green Roasted Tea and Kilimanjaro Papaya Oolong will transport you to the foot of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
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This grand cru will surprise you with its roasted and buttery notes. Discover our creation: KILIMANJARO ROASTED GREEN TEA.
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A grand cru Oolong tea with vegetal and fruity notes, created by resting the tea with fresh papaya shells during the oxidation process.
Discover our creation: KILIMANJARO PAPAYA OOLONG.
Rwanda and Burundi
These two countries offer an excellent environment for high-quality tea production.
Rwanda is renowned for its excellent high-altitude tea, cultivated in its fertile volcanic soil.
Burundi also offers a favorable environment for quality tea cultivation but still primarily produces CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) teas, not whole leaf orthodox teas like those offered by Home of Thamani.
South Africa
While South Africa once invested in tea production (Camellia Sinensis), today, it focuses on producing Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis).
South Africa produces nearly 20,000 tonnes of Rooibos annually. This endemic shrub grows only in South Africa, particularly in the Cederberg region, where it has been consumed by local populations for centuries.
Rooibos, also known as "red tea," is one of our essential infusions.
Morocco
Morocco is one of the world’s largest tea consumers. Tea consumption is deeply integrated into the country’s culture and is a powerful symbol of exchange and hospitality.
Despite its high consumption, Morocco does not produce tea locally and is the world's largest importer of green tea.
However, Morocco is a treasure trove of aromatic plants, such as the delicately scented roses used to flavor our N°2 Amazigh Flower green tea.
Link to N°2 Amazigh Flower Tea.
Other Tea-Producing Countries
Other tea-producing countries in Africa include: Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Cameroon.