Written By Lisa Murimi
Tanzania has issued a stern warning to Malawi and South Africa, threatening to block all agricultural imports and transit of goods from the two nations if trade barriers against Tanzanian produce are not lifted by next Wednesday.
The ultimatum, delivered via X (formerly Twitter) by Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe, follows Malawi’s decision to ban imports of Tanzanian goods including flour, rice, ginger, bananas, and maize. South Africa has also maintained restrictions on Tanzanian banana exports despite ongoing negotiations.
In his official statement, Bashe declared: “Hatua hizi ni za kulinda heshima ya nchi yetu, uchumi wa wakulima wetu, na usawa katika biashara za kikanda.” (These measures are to protect the dignity of our country, the economy of our farmers, and fairness in regional trade.)
He added that Tanzania would suspend fertiliser exports to Malawi and has advised local traders to stop all shipments to both countries — including products such as South African apples and oranges.
The escalating trade dispute has sparked concerns over internal fractures within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where all three countries hold membership.
Bashe indicated that diplomatic avenues had been exhausted. “Tanzania will now act in defence of its national interest and economic sovereignty,” he declared.
The standoff threatens to disrupt regional supply chains and further strain relations within the bloc, prompting calls for urgent mediation to prevent an all-out trade fallout.
As regional leaders weigh their next steps, observers warn that continued tensions could undermine the goals of economic integration and cooperation that SADC was established to promote.
