THE government has lifted the ban on the trade and transportation of agricultural products between Tanzania and the countries of Malawi and South Africa, following a restriction that lasted two days.

On April 23, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a halt on the entry of agricultural goods from South Africa and Malawi into Tanzanian borders, pending reciprocal measures from those countries to allow Tanzanian produce into their markets.

In response to the ban, the governments of Malawi and South Africa engaged Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the Ministry of Agriculture in talks to find a resolution.

According to a statement issued by Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe on April 25, 2025, it was agreed that the Government of Malawi will send a delegation to Tanzania on May 2, 2025. 

The delegation, to be led by Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and accompanied by the Ministers of Industry and Trade, and Agriculture, will meet with Tanzanian officials in Dodoma under the coordination of Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Regarding South Africa, technical discussions are ongoing between Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture through the Plant Health and Pesticides Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and relevant South African authorities responsible for plant health and market access.

"In light of these developments, the Ministry of Agriculture is lifting all restrictions previously imposed on Malawi and South Africa effective April 26, 2025, in the belief that the ongoing dialogue will yield a lasting solution," the statement read.