Burkina Faso re-enacts export ban on grains, cereals

BURKINA FASO – The Government of Burkina Faso has re-enacted an export ban imposed on key agricultural commodities, including rice, millet, maize, sorghum, and cowpeas, which will particularly affect trade between the country and neighbouring Ghana.

The ban, which was outlined in a joint statement, dated 19th December 2023, prohibits the sale of these goods beyond Burkina Faso’s borders.

In a subsequent statement dated 13th November 2024, Burkina Faso emphasized that the ban is still active, reminding traders engaged in the importation of these goods to comply with the new measures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now issued a statement urging Ghanaian traders and businesses involved in the importation of these commodities from Burkina Faso to take urgent note of the restriction.

The Ministry emphasised that failure to comply with the ban could lead to sanctions and cessations of trade for the perpetrators.

“We strongly advise all traders and businesses to adhere to this directive. The government of Burkina Faso has made it clear that this ban will continue, and failure to comply could result in serious consequences for those involved in the trade of these commodities,” a Ministry spokesperson stated.

The Ministry further encouraged all stakeholders in the affected sectors to take necessary steps to amend their business operations and find alternative sources for these goods.

This move by Burkina Faso is projected to affect regional trade, particularly for Ghana, where these cereals are crucial agricultural commodities.

The Ministry assured the public that it will continue to provide more updates and necessary support in order to ensure full compliance with this directive.

Owing to grain deficiencies and soaring prices in the region, Burkina Faso enacted the restriction in order to cushion its citizens from a looming scourge of food insecurity.

The government first implemented the export ban in December 2023, due to climatic challenges affecting agricultural production.

The recent enactment, as outlined in the November 2024 statement, emphasizes the country’s commitment to stabilizing local food supplies.

The continued enforcement of the ban comes at a time when Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Agriculture projected that the country is anticipating a record cereal harvest for the 2024/2025 season, with production forecast to reach over 6 million tonnes.

This projection represents an 18% increase compared to the previous year’s yield of 5.1 million tonnes and a 21.4% rise above the five-year average.

The anticipated growth was linked to favorable climatic conditions, with cumulative rainfall from April to October 2024 surpassing normal levels across much of the country.

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