Sri Lanka and Kenya explore further cooperation in the tea sector
The Morning: The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya, Ruvini De Silva, received the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Nairobi in September.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Kenya in the tea sector, an important area of mutual economic interest between the two countries.
During the meeting, the Acting High Commissioner briefed the KTGA delegation on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to be held in Colombo from 14 to 17 January 2027, and highlighted opportunities for Kenyan businesses and industry stakeholders to engage with Sri Lankan companies and explore potential partnerships.
The Acting High Commissioner also informed the delegation about the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2027 Business Briefing Sessions in Kenya, scheduled to be held in Nairobi on 25 September and Mombasa on 2 October. The sessions are intended to facilitate direct interaction between Sri Lankan and Kenyan businesses, identify areas of commercial interest and promote business-to-business linkages.
The KTGA delegation expressed interest in Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and in exploring opportunities for greater engagement with Sri Lankan stakeholders in the tea industry. The discussion also covered sharing expertise, strengthening industry-to-industry contacts and identifying areas for future cooperation in the tea sector.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continued engagement and exploring further opportunities for collaboration between the tea industries of Sri Lanka and Kenya through future meetings and sector-specific engagements.
The Sri Lanka High Commission looks forward to continued cooperation with the Kenya Tea Growers Association and other stakeholders in promoting stronger economic and commercial relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tea industry is opening business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses and investors beyond traditional tea exports, with potential for partnerships across value-added production, technology, packaging, logistics, branding and specialised tea products. The country’s established global reputation for Ceylon Tea, combined with its extensive industry expertise and export networks, provides a platform for international companies seeking opportunities in premium and specialty teas, ready-to-drink products, tea extracts, herbal blends and other value-added products. Business/investment opportunities also extend to modern processing and packaging technology, supply-chain infrastructure, digital traceability, sustainable cultivation and climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Partnerships between international companies and Sri Lankan tea producers could help expand value-added exports and develop new markets. The planned Sri Lanka Expo 2027, to be held in Colombo from 14–17 January 2027, provides another platform for connecting overseas businesses with Sri Lankan companies and identifying investment and commercial partnerships across the tea value chain. For foreign investors, Sri Lanka’s tea sector therefore offers opportunities not only in plantation and manufacturing activities, but also in technology, logistics, sustainability, product development and international marketing. Strengthening industry-to-industry partnerships with major tea-producing markets such as Kenya could further support the sector’s expansion into higher-value segments.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261005Z_4 |