Tanzania hits back with trade ban on Malawi, South Africa over agricultural restrictions

 Tanzania’s response includes both an export ban and a ban on the importation of agricultural goods from the two countries.

“It is now official. We will not allow any agricultural produce from South Africa or Malawi into the Tanzanian market,” Minister Bashe told Azam TV.

The move marks a significant development in regional trade relations, particularly at a time when East and Southern Africa are navigating complex economic interdependencies and shifting food security priorities.

Retaliation after expiry of ultimatum

The government’s decision comes after Minister Bashe issued a seven-day ultimatum last week, demanding that both nations lift their restrictions or face trade consequences. With no change in stance from Lilongwe or Pretoria by the Wednesday deadline, Tanzania’s response was swift and firm.

“South Africa regularly exports fruits like grapes and applesto Tanzania. From now on, these products will not be allowed into our borders,” Bashe said.

In Malawi’s case, the ban is even broader. Not only is the import of all Malawian agricultural products prohibited, but Tanzania will also block the transit of any agricultural goods moving through its territory destined for Malawi.

Maize, fertiliser and the WFP twist

Bashe took particular issue with Malawi’s decision to block Tanzanian maize exports, while simultaneously procuring maize through the World Food Programme (WFP) under the pretext of addressing food insecurity.

“They are purchasing maize through the WFP, but at the same time, they are denying Tanzanian traders access to their market. As far as we are concerned,none of that maize will pass through Tanzanian territory,”he declared.

Adding to the list of retaliatory measures, Bashe said Tanzania will also suspend fertiliser exports to Malawi, which were scheduled to begin on May 1, 2025, ahead of Malawi’s upcoming planting season.

“They were due to start taking fertiliser from Tanzania next week. That won’t happen now,” he said.

Food security not at risk

Addressing public concerns that the ban might disrupt local supplies, Bashe reassured Tanzanians that the country’s food and produce markets will remain stable.

“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,” the minister said.

“This is about fairness and principle. This is business,” he added emphatically.

Diplomatic channels still open

Despite the strong tone of the announcement, Minister Bashe noted that diplomatic efforts are still ongoing. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabiti Kombo, is currently engaging both countries in dialogue aimed at resolving the impasse.

However, Bashe made it clear that Tanzania would not sit idle while its farmers and traders remain blocked from regional markets.

“While diplomatic discussions continue, Tanzania cannot operate under one-sided restrictions. We must act in the interest of our economy and our people,” he stressed.

What next?

The move could potentially affect regional trade flows, particularly if it leads to countermeasures from South Africa or Malawi. However, Tanzania appears confident in its capacity to weather any short-term disruptions, given its growing agricultural base and efforts to boost self-sufficiency.

Analysts say the standoff underscores the importance of non-tariff barriers in regional trade and could prompt wider debate within regional blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC)and theEast African Community (EAC).

“This is more than just a trade issue—it’s about regional trust, reciprocity, and economic diplomacy,” one analyst told The Citizen on condition of anonymity.

As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the next moves by Malawi and South Africa—and whether ongoing talks can yield a diplomatic resolution before the fallout escalates further.