Seven decades at the heart of Africa’s tea trade
A voluntary, non-profit umbrella body representing the tea industry across ten African countries, and the custodian of the Mombasa Tea Auction.
One marketplace, ten producing nations
The East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) is a voluntary, non-profit umbrella body representing the interests of the tea industry in Africa. Registered in 1956, its members are drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique, all actively engaged in growing, buying, broking and warehousing tea.
EATTA’s principal mandate is to run the weekly Mombasa Tea Auction, the largest black CTC tea auction in the world and the only one trading teas from more than one country. The Association is self-sustaining and draws its income from annual member subscriptions.
The critical players in the auction are the producer, the broker and the buyer. Producers offer tea for sale through a broker, appointed as their selling agent, who earns a commission on the value of tea sold. More than seventy buyers participate, serving key markets including Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Sudan, Yemen and the UAE.
“Why should Kenya not have its own auction system?”
The question that founded EATTA in 1956
From Plantation House to the world stage
In 1956 a handful of producers, buyers and brokers decided East Africa’s teas should no longer be consigned to London for sale. Their local auction began with secondary grades and small volumes, and grew into the price-setting market for African tea.
The Kenya Tea Export Auction is born
Fortnightly sales open at Plantation House, Haile Selassie Road, Nairobi. Kenya then produced about 10 million kilos a year.
The auction moves to Mombasa
After nearly two years of debate among members, the auction relocates to the port city, closer to shipping.
Containerised shipment
Containers, and later palletised paper sacks, give international buyers quick and safe shipment to destination.
Bidding in US dollars
From October 1992, teas are bid and paid in US dollars within ten working days, protecting producers from currency swings.
Full automation
The integrated Tea Trading System (iTTS) digitises the auction from cataloguing to payment.
Orthodox Tea Auction
Sale of orthodox tea at the Mombasa Tea Auction begins in September 2025.
About 10 million kilos a week
The volume Kenya once produced in a year now trades through Mombasa every week.
Integrity, transparency and accountability
EATTA is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors drawn from five countries and representing the whole value chain.
Membership-driven
Decisions are made with input from our stakeholders, ensuring inclusive representation.
Transparent
Governance processes, decisions and financial information are clearly documented.
Accountable
Clear oversight mechanisms ensure every action aligns with our mission and values.
Board Committees
- Strategic Trade & Relations
- Rules, Legal & Auction Conditions
- Finance & Administration
- Audit & Risk Management
- ICT
Sub-Associations
- Tea Producers Association
- Tea Brokers Association
- Tea Buyers Association
- Tea Warehousemen Association
- Tea Packers Association
Board of Directors
R. Koech
Chairman
J. Humbu
Vice Chairman
G. Omuga
Managing Director
D. Mutangana
Director
R. Mwadime
Director
A. Kithika
Director
C. Bett
Director
P. Kimanga
Director
J. Muturi
Director
G. Mukundwa
Director
V. Ashabahebwa
Director
E. Ngugi
Director
C. Thairu
Director
M. Charana
Director