Tanzania has escalated a regional trade dispute by imposing a comprehensive ban on agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa, effective April 23, 2025.
It follows the failure of both countries to lift their restrictions on Tanzanian produce, notably a recent blockade of banana exports.
The embargo was announced by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, prohibiting the importation of all agricultural goods from Malawi and South Africa into Tanzania.
Tanzania will also block the transit of Malawian agricultural products through its territory. This action is a direct response to Malawi’s and South Africa’s continued embargoes on Tanzanian exports, despite a seven-day ultimatum issued by Tanzania.
Specific Measures
South Africa: Imports of fruits such as grapes and apples are now barred from entering Tanzania.
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Malawi: Beyond import restrictions, Tanzania will halt the transit of Malawian agricultural goods through its borders. Furthermore, a scheduled export of fertilizer to Malawi, set to commence on May 1, 2025, has been suspended.
Minister Bashe criticized Malawi for blocking Tanzanian maize exports while simultaneously procuring maize through the World Food Programme (WFP) to address its own food insecurity. He stressed enough that that such actions undermine regional trade fairness.
Addressing concerns about potential domestic shortages, Bashe assured citizens that the ban would not adversely affect Tanzania’s food supply.
“No Tanzanian will suffer or die because we no longer have apples or grapes from South Africa. Our priority is to protect local trade and our agricultural economy.”
