Tanzania Lifts Ban on Agricultural Imports from Malawi and South Africa Following Diplomatic Talks
Tanzania has lifted its recently imposed ban on agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa, signaling a step towards resolving a trade dispute through diplomatic channels. The decision, announced late Friday, comes just days after Tanzania introduced the ban in retaliation for similar actions taken by the two southern African nations.
The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) confirmed that the ban, which affected the importation of agricultural produce, would be lifted immediately. TPHPA’s Director General, Joseph Ndunguru, stated that the move aimed to facilitate “diplomatic ministerial discussion” after both Malawi and South Africa reached out to resolve the matter through dialogue.
The trade restrictions had been imposed earlier in the week, including a ban on Tanzanian fertilizer exports to Malawi, which heavily relies on these supplies. However, the ban on fertilizer exports has now also been lifted, restoring a key trade link between the countries.
South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, expressed gratitude for Tanzania’s decision, emphasizing that it reflected the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations. He noted that the resolution highlights the effectiveness of dialogue and cooperation in overcoming trade challenges.
The dispute began after Malawi imposed its own restrictions on Tanzanian agricultural exports, including maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, while South Africa halted imports of Tanzanian bananas. All three countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which aims to promote regional cooperation and economic integration.