A deepening trade dispute has disrupted agricultural trade across borders in Southern Africa, with Tanzania halting imports from Malawi and South Africa in a move it says is necessary to defend its business interests.
The ban, which took effect at midnight, affects all agricultural imports from the two countries.
Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said the measure was a response to trade restrictions that have hurt Tanzanian exporters.
South Africa has long blocked Tanzanian bananas, while Malawi recently imposed a ban on several agricultural imports, including rice, ginger, maize, bananas, and flour.
"We are taking this step to protect our business interests... in business, we must all respect each other," Bashe said during a press briefing confirming the decision.
At the Kasumulu border post, a major crossing between Tanzania and Malawi, activity was visibly reduced.
Only a few trucks, mostly transporting fuel, were seen entering Tanzania.
Normally, over 15 lorries carrying fresh produce pass through daily, but on Thursday, that was not the case.
Malawi’s Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba had earlier defended his country's move, stating,
"It is a strategic move to create an environment where local businesses can thrive without the immediate pressure of foreign competition."
The Malawian government insists the ban was temporary and intended to protect domestic industries.
Bashe, however, described the decision as “unfair and harmful” and claimed it had directly impacted Tanzanian traders.
While reassuring Tanzanians that food supplies would not be compromised, he downplayed any fears about shortages.
"No Tanzanian will die from a lack of South African grapes or apples," he said. "We are taking these actions to protect Tanzanian interests."
So far, neither South Africa nor Malawi has publicly responded to Tanzania’s action. Behind the scenes, diplomatic talks are said to be ongoing, though previous efforts to resolve the disagreements have made little progress.
The strained relations have emerged despite ongoing efforts to promote free trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched four years ago to encourage seamless trade across the continent.
The implications of Tanzania’s move are already being felt. South African fruit exporters stand to lose access to one of their growing markets, with apples and grapes among the affected goods.
Malawi, being landlocked, faces even greater logistical hurdles.
It relies heavily on Tanzanian infrastructure, especially the port of Dar es Salaam, to export goods such as sugar, soybeans, and tobacco.
With limited access to Tanzanian ports, Malawi may be forced to reroute shipments through Mozambican ports like Beira and Nacala, which could increase costs.
Additionally, Malawian imports of fuel and machinery may also be disrupted by the current tensions.
Happy Zulu, a businessperson based near the border, described the situation as troubling for transporters.
"[The drivers] are now trying to find alternative products to transport. It's been very difficult for them because they are used to carrying agricultural goods, and now they can't carry not just bananas and tomatoes, but even maize and potatoes," she said.
In a social media post last Saturday, Bashe shared a video of rotting bananas stuck in a truck that was not allowed to cross into Malawi. Similar delays have caused other fresh produce, like tomatoes, to spoil while waiting at the border.
Trade between Tanzania and Malawi has grown steadily in recent years. Official data from Tanzania indicates that exports to Malawi have tripled between 2018 and 2023.
That growth now appears to be at risk.
Bashe said the decision to impose a ban was not intended to start a trade war.
"Tanzania will not continue to allow unequal market access to persist at the expense of its people," he said.
While Tanzania may be able to redirect its exports to countries such as Kenya, South Sudan, and Namibia, Malawi’s options are more limited due to its geographical location.
The unfolding situation poses risks to regional trade cooperation and the stability of economic ties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which all three countries are members.