Tanzania has issued a warning to Malawi and South Africa, threatening to block all agricultural imports from the two countries if they do not reopen their markets to Tanzanian produce.
In a strongly worded statement, the Tanzanian Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, revealed that he had received official communication that Malawi had banned the entry of Tanzanian agricultural products.
The products include flour, rice, ginger, bananas, and maize. Consequently, the move has hit Tanzanian exporters hard.
“This move has directly affected the operations of our traders who export these products to Malawi,” stated the minister.
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Tanzania Explains Reason for the Ban
Further, the minister expressed frustration over South Africa’s long-standing refusal to open its market to Tanzanian bananas, despite diplomatic efforts that have lasted over five years.
“This situation mirrors the challenges we faced for over ten years in trying to access the avocado market, until we decided to take action to protect our country’s interest,” added the statement.
Consequently, Tanzania has threatened to impose a ban on the importation of all agricultural products from the two countries. South Africa and Malawi have until Wednesday, April 23, to reverse their decision.
“In light of this, and after all diplomatic efforts have failed, I would like to announce the following,
“Agricultural goods from Malawi and South Africa will not be allowed to transit through Tanzanian territory, including the Port of Dar es Salaam, en route to any other country, until this restriction is lifted,” stated the agriculture Minister.
Additionally, the export of fertiliser to Malawi will be suspended as part of measures to protect the interests of Tanzanian farmers and traders.
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Agriculture Ministry Issues Advice to Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture has additionally advised Tanzanian exporters to pause the loading of goods bound for Malawi and South Africa until further notice.
Traders who had already placed orders for apples, oranges, and other South African imports have also been warned that those goods will not be allowed into Tanzania unless South Africa opens up to Tanzanian bananas.
“I advise you to hold off for now, as we will not allow their entry into Tanzania until South Africa opens its market to our bananas,” said Minister Bashe.
Also, he stated that attempts to reach the Minister of Agriculture of Malawi have not been successful.
“I have reached out through various means to the Minister of Agriculture in Malawi, but have not received any official response. These measures are intended to protect the dignity of our country, the economy of our farmers, and fairness in regional trade.”
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