{
  "id": 2066943,
  "title": "Chinese green tea is bringing people together in West Africa, 3 cups at a time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/chinese-green-tea-is-bringing-people-together-in-west-africa-3-cups",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T04:00:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3364396/chinese-green-tea-bringing-people-together-west-africa-3-cups-time"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In West Africa, Chinese green tea has played a significant role in fostering connections among people from Mauritania to Senegal, Mali, and Niger. This tea-drinking tradition, known as ataya or attaya, involves preparing and serving strong, sweet green tea in three rounds, allowing individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and social interactions. Chinese tea is the dominant source of green tea in several markets where ataya is widely consumed, with over 90% of Mauritania's tea imports by value coming from China in 2024, and a similar trend observed in Gambia, Mali, Senegal, and Niger.\n\nThe ataya ceremony, which can span up to 90 minutes, provides ample time for people to bond and share their thoughts. This shared tradition has been passed down through generations, with Senegalese artist and social entrepreneur Aldi Diasse learning to prepare ataya from his family members. According to Cameroonian journalist Kouam Joel Honore, the tea culture is deeply ingrained in the region's history, with travellers across the Sahara once stopping to rest and drink tea along the old trans-Saharan caravan routes. The tradition not only strengthens social connections but also links Sahelian people to their roots in Niger. As Chinese tea became more prevalent in the Sahel, its shared tradition helped bolster ties between China and African countries, further emphasizing the significance of ataya in promoting unity and understanding among diverse communities.",
  "summary": "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.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
        "title": "Chinese green tea is bringing people together in West Africa, 3 cups at a time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/chinese-green-tea-is-bringing-people-together-in-west-africa-3-cups-2071059",
        "published": "2026-08-20T04:00:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}