Tanzania lifts agricultural ban on SA and Malawi

South Africa (SA) has welcomed Tanzania’s lifting of a ban on agricultural imports, with its Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, describing it as a reflection of strong bilateral ties. The two countries had independently sought dialogue to resolve the trade dispute, which also involved Malawi, reports The Citizen Tanzania. Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, had on Wednesday announced a ban on imports of agricultural produce from SA and Malawi, while also halting fertiliser exports to Malawi over alleged prolonged trade imbalances, according to reports. The bans have now been lifted. SA, Malawi and Tanzania are members of the Southern African Development Community. In a statement issued Saturday by the spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Chrispin Phiri, Lamola said the resolution followed constructive diplomatic engagement between the countries' Foreign Affairs Ministries. He reaffirmed the deep historical ties between SA and Tanzania, rooted in African solidarity and a shared vision for economic integration and inclusive growth.

Full report in The Citizen Tanzania