Tanzania set to ban imports from Malawi and South Africa

Tanzania has threatened to halt all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa unless the two countries lift restrictions on Tanzanian produce.

Speaking in a firm tone, Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said he had received formal notification that Malawi had imposed a ban on Tanzanian agricultural goods.

In response, he warned that Tanzania is prepared to take similar action if its exports are not allowed back into the affected markets.

The banned products include flour, rice, ginger, bananas, and maize — a development that has dealt a significant blow to Tanzanian exporters.

"This decision has had a direct impact on our traders who rely on exporting these goods to Malawi," the minister stated.

The minister also voiced his frustration with South Africa’s continued refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market, noting that diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue have dragged on for over five years without success.

"This situation mirrors the challenges we faced for over ten years in trying to access the avocado market, until we decided to take action to protect our country’s interest," added the statement.

As a result, Tanzania has issued an ultimatum to Malawi and South Africa, warning that it will impose a total ban on the importation of agricultural products from the two countries unless they reverse their restrictions by Wednesday, April 23.

"In light of this, and after exhausting all diplomatic avenues, I wish to make the following announcement," said Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe.

"Agricultural goods originating from Malawi and South Africa will be prohibited from transiting through Tanzanian territory, including the Port of Dar es Salaam, to any third country, until these trade barriers are lifted."

He further announced that Tanzania would suspend the export of fertiliser to Malawi as part of broader measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of Tanzanian farmers and exporters.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also instructed Tanzanian exporters to temporarily halt the shipment of goods destined for Malawi and South Africa until further notice.

In addition, traders who have already ordered apples, oranges, and other agricultural products from South Africa have been cautioned that those imports will not be permitted into the country unless South Africa lifts its ban on Tanzanian bananas.

"I urge you to pause for now, as we will not allow these products into Tanzania until South Africa opens its market to our bananas," Minister Hussein Bashe stated.

He further revealed that efforts to engage Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture have been unsuccessful.

"I have tried multiple channels to contact the Minister of Agriculture in Malawi, but I have yet to receive any official response," he added.

"These actions are meant to defend the dignity of our nation, protect the livelihoods of our farmers, and ensure fairness in regional trade.”