Tanzania imposes blanket ban on South African, Malawian farm imports amid escalating trade dispute
The decision, announced by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, follows the failure of both countries to lift their restrictions on Tanzanian farm products, despite five years of negotiations.
TANZANIA – Tanzania has imposed an immediate ban on all agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi, citing prolonged trade imbalances and lack of reciprocity.
The decision, announced by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, follows the failure of both countries to lift their restrictions on Tanzanian farm products, despite five years of negotiations.
The ban encompasses fresh produce such as South African apples and all agricultural goods from Malawi, including maize, flour, ginger, and bananas.
Additionally, Tanzania will prohibit the transit of agricultural cargo from these countries through its territory, affecting humanitarian maize shipments to Malawi and halting fertilizer exports scheduled for Malawi’s planting season starting May 1, 2025.
“In regards to Malawi, since they have not withdrawn the notice restricting Tanzanian imports, we are officially banning all agricultural products originating from Malawi from entering our country,” he said.
This move is seen as a response to Malawi’s recent ban on unmilled maize imports from Tanzania and Kenya, aimed at preventing the spread of maize lethal necrosis disease. The disease, which has no treatment, can cause up to 100% yield loss, posing a significant threat to Malawi’s staple food supply.
In December 2023, Tanzania had already imposed bans on soybeans and maize seeds from Malawi due to concerns over the tobacco ringspot virus and the introduction of genetically modified maize seeds. These measures were taken to protect Tanzania’s agricultural sector from potential threats.
Despite the escalating trade tensions, Minister Bashe assured that Tanzania’s food security remains unaffected, emphasizing the need to protect local businesses and ensure mutual respect in trade relations.
“No Tanzanian will die for lack of grapes or South African apples. This is a matter of protecting our business. This is trade, and mutual respect is non-negotiable,” he stated.
The ban comes following the recent announcement by the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) of Tanzania for a comprehensive nationwide assessment of maize and rice stocks, set to commence on May 1, 2025.
The initiative aims to evaluate the availability, distribution, and export potential of these crucial crops, ensuring informed decision-making for the 2024/2025 agricultural season and food security planning through 2026.
Irene Mlola, COPRA Director-General, emphasised the importance of this exercise during a recent media briefing, stating that current export licenses for maize and rice will remain valid until April 30, 2025.
Post-assessment, new export permits will be issued based on the findings to align with the country’s food security strategies.
“This evaluation is essential as it will provide us with the data necessary to understand the national food situation, allowing for better planning when it comes to local distribution and exportation,” Mlola noted.
She urged traders to utilize existing permits before their expiration to avoid disruptions.
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