- Tanzania warns it will block imports and goods in transit from Malawi and South Africa.
- The warning follows trade restrictions imposed on Tanzanian produce by the two countries.
- Minister Bashe says Tanzania is protecting its farmers and national dignity.
- Fertiliser exports to Malawi may be suspended, and traders advised to halt shipments.
- Tensions raise concerns over unity within the SADC regional bloc.
Tanzania has taken a firm stance against Malawi and South Africa, warning that it will impose a complete ban on agricultural imports and block goods in transit from the two countries if existing trade restrictions on Tanzanian produce are not lifted by next Wednesday.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement through a strongly-worded post on X (formerly Twitter). He condemned Malawi’s decision to restrict entry of Tanzanian agricultural goods — including bananas, flour, maize, rice, and ginger — and criticized South Africa for maintaining its blockade on Tanzanian bananas despite long-running discussions.
“These steps are necessary to safeguard our national dignity, the livelihoods of our farmers, and fairness in regional commerce,” said Bashe.
The government is preparing retaliatory measures. Bashe warned that Tanzania could immediately halt fertiliser exports to Malawi and advised local traders to stop sending goods to both nations — particularly fruits like South African apples and oranges, which are popular in the Tanzanian market.
The growing dispute is raising concerns about cracks within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where all three nations are members. Bashe noted that efforts through diplomatic channels had failed, prompting Tanzania to shift focus to protecting its national interests.
With supply chains at risk and relations strained, observers and regional analysts are urging quick intervention to avoid a full-blown trade standoff. If unresolved, the dispute could erode the foundation of cooperation and unity that SADC aims to uphold.
More developments are expected as the Wednesday deadline approaches.
