Kigali will this week host the second African Tea Convention, one of the efforts aimed at promoting African tea on the international markets, report peterson tumwebaze and Ivan R. Mugisha.The convention is organised by East African Tea Trade Association and National Agricultural Export Development Board and will review the latest industry developments, respond to current business challenges and provide real “take-away” solutions for tea famers, according to Corneille Ntakirutimana, the NAEB boss. “The convention aims at helping those who are new in the tea business to learn about the sector’s legal and marketing aspects. It’s also a forum for tea companies to gain knowledge and skills in the business.” Best tea exhibiters will also be recognised at the convention.Edward Mudibo, the managing director of the East African Tea Trade Association, said the convention will focus on how to improve quality and consumer health benefits. According to Rohith Peiris, the director general of Sorwathe, one of Rwanda’s leading tea producers and exporters, the convention is an ideal platform to bring local producers in touch with industry players from all over the world.“Besides showcasing our brands, the convention provides excellent opportunities for in-depth interactions with world leaders in tea trade, industry experts, financiers and marketers, and excellent business and investment opportunities for agencies interested in value addition and blending tea technology and equipment supplies,” Peiris said.Pfunda Tea Company general manager Amar Pal Singh Shaw said the continental convention is a great business opportunity for tea producers, brokers and packers in the country.The first convention was held in Mombasa in 2011.
