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Tanzania, Malawi reaffirm trade commitments after diplomatic talks
Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe (right), and his Malawian counterpart, Sam Kawalenga (left), share a light moment shortly after a bilateral meeting in Dodoma on Friday, May 2, 2025. The talks aimed to resolve a trade dispute that had restricted the import of agricultural produce between the two countries. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Tensions began in March after Malawi imposed restrictions on selected agricultural produce from Tanzania, escalating in April when Dodoma implemented reciprocal measures.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Malawi have jointly agreed to lift trade restrictions, reaffirming their commitment to finalise legal frameworks required for the signing of the Simplified Trade Regime Agreement (STRA).
The two countries resolved to begin implementation upon completion of internal legal procedures by 30 May 2025 and to act on the meeting’s resolutions for the benefit of their citizens.
Tensions began in March after Malawi imposed restrictions on selected agricultural produce from Tanzania, escalating in April when Dodoma implemented reciprocal measures.
Tanzania also imposed similar restrictions on South Africa, which had blocked agricultural imports from Dodoma, a fellow Southern African Development Community (SADC) member.
However, in a public notice issued on Friday, 25 April 2025, Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe confirmed that the restrictions had been suspended, effective 23 April 2025.
The ban was officially lifted on 26 April following diplomatic overtures from both Malawi and South Africa, aimed at fostering dialogue and strengthening cooperation.
“The Ministry of Agriculture hereby lifts all bans previously imposed on Malawi and South Africa, effective 26 April 2025, in the belief that the ongoing dialogue will lead to a lasting resolution,” reads a statement signed by Mr Bashe.
Subsequently, a delegation led by Malawi’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Nancy Gladys Tembo (MP), and her Tanzanian counterpart, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), met in Dodoma.
A jointly signed communiqué issued on 2 May 2025 after the bilateral meeting recalled the outcomes of the Sixth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi, held from 24 to 27 February 2025 in Lilongwe.
“Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to finalise the relevant legal framework for the STRA and to implement it upon completion of domestic legal processes by 30 May 2025,” reads in part the communiqué signed by the two ministers.
The document also states that both parties committed to implementing the meeting’s outcomes for the mutual benefit of citizens from the two countries.
According to the communiqué, Malawi appreciated Tanzania’s decision to lift the import ban on plant and plant products from Malawi, which had been imposed on 23 April 2025.
“In reciprocity, the Government of the Republic of Malawi committed to issuing an Administrative Instrument to the relevant authorities to facilitate imports and exports between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi, with effect from the date of this communiqué,” it added.
The two delegations also agreed to develop common Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards by regional and international guidelines.
They commended the strong bilateral relations between the two nations and emphasised the importance of further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit, while upholding regional and international frameworks in trade matters.
“They commended Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, for their exemplary leadership and guidance in matters of bilateral and regional cooperation,” the communiqué stated.
Both sides acknowledged the deep historical and brotherly ties that have long existed between the two countries.
Discussions highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening trade, fostering economic collaboration, and resolving existing issues.
According to the communiqué, the Malawi delegation expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Tanzanian Government for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements that made the meeting a success.
Regarding South Africa, talks are ongoing at a technical level involving Tanzania’s Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), foreign affairs officials, and South African plant health and trade authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture assured Tanzanian farmers and the public that agricultural trade would continue to be guided by plant health standards, national interests, and diplomatic cooperation.
“The Government assures Tanzanian farmers and citizens that freedom to trade agricultural produce will be upheld by plant health requirements, national resource interests, and broader diplomatic relations for the benefit of all,” says the Ministry.
The decision brought relief to both countries, with experts having warned of potential economic fallout and social repercussions had the standoff continued.
An economist from the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Dr Lawi Yohana, told The Citizen earlier that while Tanzania is self-sufficient in some produce, it should explore other markets.
“If Malawi doesn’t need our products, we should look to Kenya, South Sudan, and Namibia, among others,” he said.
Dr Yohana warned against blocking fertiliser imports through the Port of Dar es Salaam, saying such a move could drive neighbouring countries toward alternative routes in Mozambique and Angola.
“We’ve invested in our ports and the Mtwara Corridor. A confrontational approach may damage regional trade and our reputation,” he stressed.
He added that Malawi’s restrictions may be aimed at protecting its local farmers—just as Tanzania does with imports such as sugar.
The agricultural economist from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Dr Anna Temu, stressed the human impact.
“Many youth are engaged in cross-border trade and have no safety nets. Sudden bans leave them vulnerable,” she said.
She urged the government to consult affected communities, especially in border regions like Mbeya, and called for better preparedness and communication in future trade decisions.
The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) CEO, Ms Mwanahamis Hussein, emphasised diplomacy.
“We must use existing bilateral channels. These issues can be resolved through dialogue,” she insisted.
