Malawi was the first African country to grow tea on a commercial
scale. Its status as the pioneer of the tea trade in Africa
began in the Victorian era. The commercial tea production
in Malawi thus cossmmenced in 1880. Today, Malawi uses the
cloning or cuttings method for refurbishing tea estates and
is one of the first African countries to adopt this method.
Economic Significance
of Malawian Tea Industry
Malawi has been responsible for the spread of tea production
to the other East African states. Malawi produce approx 40Mn
kg of tea, which contribute approx 1% to the global tea production.
Majority of the tea in Malawi is produced in the Southern parts
of the country in the districts of Thyolo and Mulanje. The tea
crop is highly seasonal due to climatic conditions and it is
usual for 80% of the crop to be produced between December and
May.
10,600,000