Regional integration creates opportunities for SMEs and women

Every Monday and Tuesday buyers and sellers gather at the Mombasa Tea Auction, the largest in Africa. In an average week, buyers representing around 50 consuming countries bid on teas from nations including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. According to etiquette at the auction, buyers say ‘yes, sir’ to bid on a lot and ‘knock it, sir’ when their bid is highest.