Tanzania lifts ban on agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi

Tanzania’s move to initiate the ban were a response to similar trade restrictions on its agricultural products imposed by neighboring countries to the south.

The Nation’s Plant Health and Pesticides Authority Director-General Joseph Ndunguru announced the immediate lifting of the ban, citing the need for diplomatic ministerial discussions.

Following the announcement, South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, welcomed Tanzania’s decision to lift the ban, reaffirming the value of dialogue and the enduring strength of bilateral relations.

“This outcome demonstrates that the diplomatic route remains the most effective path to resolving challenges, cooperation and mutual understanding can unlock shared opportunities,” He stated.

Prior to the ban, the southern countries had been at odds over the import and export of agricultural products.

Tanzanian Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, previously cited prolonged trade imbalances and a lack of reciprocity as reasons for the trade restrictions.

“We cannot continue to tolerate this unfair treatment,” he stated. “While negotiations are ongoing, we must act in defense of our economic interests.”

In recent weeks, South Africa and Malawi imposed trade restrictions on several Tanzanian agricultural products, including rice, flour, ginger, bananas, and maize, a decision that significantly affected the flow of goods between local traders who depend on exports to Southern African countries.

Tanzania retaliated by imposing a ban on importation of fresh apples from South Africa, alongside a blanket ban on agricultural produce from both South Africa and Malawi.

Against the backdrop of constructive diplomatic engagement, the three Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries have agreed to resume trade and address their trade imbalances.

Notably, the lifting of the ban coincides with Tanzania’s 61st anniversary of unification, a historic milestone commemorated on April 26.

Lamola described the occasion as a “beacon of pan-Africanism,” noting that Tanzania’s journey remains a continental inspiration.