The year 2025 started with a series of landmark dialogues and summits that are promising transformative change across Africa. A key moment was the extraordinary Kampala summit held in January, which brought together heads of states, policy makers, farmers, private sector, researchers, development partners and academicians. The summit aimed to shape the next decade with a renewed focus on building resilient and inclusive Agri-food Systems in Africa.
This renewed momentum comes at a critical time. In recent years, Africa has oscillated in doom and gloom moments with the recurring cyclones, global pandemics, rising debt burdens and stalled progress on major developmental goals. The Sustainable Development Goals report released in 2024 (https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2024-07/asdr_2024_-_en.pdf) highlighted a sobering picture that without urgent acceleration, the continent is unlikely to achieve most of the 2030 targets, particularly those related to no poverty, zero hunger, climate action goals, inter alia. The underperformance was echoed in the fourth CAADP Biennial report (2024) which highlighted limited progress in achieving commitments under the Malabo Declaration. Trade outcomes, particularly intra-Africa Trade also remain below expectations, suggesting a need for stronger policy coherence, infrastructure, investment and market integration.
TEA FOR BETTER LIVES
A cup of tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a source of livelihood, it creates connections and offers comfort. As the second most consumed drink globally after water, tea is valued for its documented health benefits particularly its antioxidant properties thar support overall well-being. In addition, tea contributes significantly to economic development and livelihoods, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, for example, the tea sector is the largest
employer in the agricultural sector, a significant contributor of foreign exchange earnings and more importantly as a source of livelihoods to smallholder families.
🌿 Reclaiming Better Lives through Tea 🍃
Today, as the world over commemorates the #InternationalTeaDay under the theme “Tea for Better Lives” we reflect on the millions of lives and livelihood sustained by it beyond the comforting power of a cup of tea. At TrustAfrica, we echoe the voices across the tea value chain calling for bold and accelerated action in creating long lasting conditions that secure better lives for smallholder farmers, workers and communities by;
✅ Enhancing market access and trade #AfCFTA
🗣️Sustaining social dialogue in the tea sector to advance decent work
💸 Strengthening pricing mechanism to ensure fair returns for farmers
👩🏾🌾 Directing investment towards smallholder production and value addition for improving the position of farmers in the value chain
🏛️Reforming regulatory systems to unlock increased private sector participation across the value chain
Tea is more than a beverage, it’s a path to dignity, equity, and opportunity. Let’s ensure the people behind every leaf are not left behind. 👩🏾🌾👨🏽🌾
#TeaForBetterLives #SustainableAgriculture #TrustAfrica #FairTrade #SmallholderFarmers #ClimateJustice #AfricaTrade #ReclaimSustainability
