Annually the London Stock Exchange publishes a laudatory report on “Companies to Inspire Africa.” The 2019 edition cites Satemwa Tea Estate for its tea product and practices.
Satemwa, founded in 1923, is the last family-owned and operated tea company in Malawi, Africa’s third largest tea producing nation and the eighth largest tea exporter globally.
Owner and General Manager Alexander Kay said, “We are very proud of this recognition. It strengthens us in the belief we have to continue to strive towards more value addition in Malawi and more and better-quality products from Africa…”
Satemwa was nominated by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) which praised management for driving innovation in the tea sector through:
- Diversification towards bespoke single estate white, green, oolong, black and dark orthodox whole leaf specialty teas for the high-value, low volume market;
- Value addition at origin through branded retail products for the local and export market;
- Inclusive business partnerships with small holder farmers to set up new value chains for high quality herbs & flowers.