Tanzania Bans Imports Amid Trade Dispute With Malawi, South Africa

A regional trade row has intensified as Tanzania banned all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa, citing unfair restrictions on its own exports. The move follows Malawi’s March ban on flour, rice, bananas, and other goods from Tanzania, and South Africa’s longstanding prohibition of Tanzanian bananas. Tanzania’s Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe defended the ban as necessary to protect national business interests. The escalating tensions challenge Africa’s push for greater economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Malawi may now be forced to reroute key exports like tobacco and sugar, while South Africa faces losses in fruit exports.

BBC