Chinese green tea is bringing people together in West Africa, 3 cups at a time

West Africa has embraced Chinese green tea – from government offices in Mauritania to roadside stalls in Senegal, Mali and Niger, it is at the heart of a tradition that brings people together.The ritual – known as ataya, or attaya in some countries – involves preparing and serving strong, sweet green tea in three rounds, giving family, friends and colleagues the time to talk and socialise.Chinese tea dominates several markets where ataya is widely consumed.Farmers harvest tea leaves at a plantation in Hubei province, central China. Photo: XinhuaMore than 90 per cent of Mauritania’s tea imports by value came from China in 2024, accounting for US$65.1 million of its US$66.4 million in tea purchases, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.