Tanzania Bans Agricultural Imports From South Africa and Malawi

DODOMA: The government has banned all agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi. This decision follows the two countries' failure to lift trade restrictions on Tanzanian products.

The Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Hussein Bashe, announced the ban on Wednesday. He cited a trade imbalance and lack of reciprocity as reasons for this action.

"We cannot tolerate this unfair treatment," Mr. Bashe said in a televised statement. "While negotiations are ongoing, we must defend our economic interests."

Effective immediately, Tanzania will no longer allow fresh apples from South Africa. There is also a blanket ban on all agricultural produce from both countries.

Last week, Malawi and South Africa restricted several Tanzanian products. These include rice, flour, ginger, bananas, and maize. This move disrupted trade and affected local exporters to Southern Africa.

Regarding Malawi's restrictions, Mr. Bashe stated that all agricultural products from Malawi are banned. This includes cargo in transit through Tanzania.

He added that maize purchased in Tanzania for humanitarian purposes in Malawi cannot leave the country. "Malawi was set to collect fertiliser from Tanzania starting May 1, 2025," he noted. "That will not happen; no fertiliser will cross into Malawi."

The Minister assured Tanzanians that this decision does not threaten food security. "No Tanzanian will die for lack of grapes or South African apples," he emphasized. "This is about protecting our business; mutual respect is non-negotiable."