Pretoria welcomes Tanzania’s lifting of ban on agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi

Dar es Salaam. South Africa has welcomed Tanzania’s lifting of a ban on agricultural imports, with its Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, describing it as a reflection of strong bilateral ties.

The two countries had independently sought dialogue to resolve the trade dispute, which also involved Malawi.

Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe had on Wednesday announced a ban on imports of agricultural produce from South Africa and Malawi, while also halting fertilizer exports to Malawi. The bans have now been lifted.

South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

In a statement issued Saturday by the Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Chrispin Phiri, Mr Lamola said the resolution followed constructive diplomatic engagement between the countries' Foreign Affairs ministries.

He reaffirmed the deep historical ties between South Africa and Tanzania, rooted in African solidarity and a shared vision for economic integration and inclusive growth.

“Our nations are bound not only by history but by a collective commitment to advancing Pan-Africanism, economic integration, and inclusive growth,” Mr Lamola said.

"The announcement coincided with Tanzania’s 61st Union Anniversary on April 26, commemorating the 1964 merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Mr Lamola hailed Tanzania’s journey as a “beacon of Pan-Africanism” that continues to inspire the continent.

“As South Africa prepares to mark National Freedom Day on April 27, we draw strength from Tanzania’s example of unity in diversity,” he added.

Looking ahead, Mr Lamola called for deeper collaboration in trade, people-to-people ties, and regional integration, stressing that the resolution should serve as a steppingstone toward achieving Agenda 2063 goals.