(Ecofin Agency) - In 2017, Rwanda generated Rwf72.6 billion ($85.4 million) from tea exports. Compared to the revenues generated in the previous year, this represents an increase by 9%.

According to the National Agricultural Export Board (NAEB), this progress which exceeds authorities’ expectation ($78 million) is due to an increase in the volume processed and the price offered for it on the international market.

Indeed, during the period under review, the output processed was 108,344 tons (an increase by 7.6%) and the commodity was traded at $3.21/kg against $2.6/kg in 2016.

Let’s recall that the country ships almost all of its production to Mombasa auction center in Kenya for export. The sector has also created jobs for about 500,000 people in the country.

Espoir Olodo