Last Thursday, Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe gave Malawi and the Republic of South Africa a nearly week-long ultimatum to overturn Tanzania’s position on import policy over corn, rice, corn, corn flour, plantain and ginger.
The statement posted on X Platform (formerly Twitter) did not specifically mention the types of crops in Tanzania that were blocked by the South African government, but it did not spare Africa’s most industrialized country.
This decision was achieved after the Tanzanian government failed diplomatic efforts to change its status. Bache continued to recall the similar situation he faced when Tanzania was trying to open an avocado market in South Africa before it was allowed.
“The (Tanzanian government) has received official communication that the Malawi government is banning the import of various crops from Tanzania, including flour, rice, inger, plantain and corn. The measure directly affected the activities of businessmen exporting crops to Malawi.”
“We should understand that over the past five years the government has put a lot of effort into exposing the South African plantain market. This situation is similar to the challenges we have faced over the past decade of finding an avocado market until we decide to take action to protect our interests.
“It happened when this ultimatum was to retaliate by last Wednesday without changing positions by Malawi and the Tanzanian government in South Africa.
The governments of Malawi and South Africa did not move, they literally stood on the ground, and this time announced retaliatory measures, as promised once again that the Minister of Agriculture was back at X again. It has deteriorated on both sides, but imports of crops from Malawi were blocked, but fertilizer passing through the port of Dar es Salaam will also be blocked. The southern part was not in good condition either. All crops expected in Tanzania were banned. This included apples and grapes.
“As Minister of Agriculture, by 6pm, I have not received any notices (from Malawi and South Africa). Therefore, I have officially announced to these two countries that I will be staring at the next issue tonight. Therefore, it is illegal for South Africa to import South Africa’s export and imports from today.
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Therefore, produce from South Africa will not allow us to come to our country.”
“As for Malawi, by this time they have not deleted the notices issued. Therefore, I declare that it is illegal to formally import. From today, the United Republic of Tanzania, apart from the two countries of Malawi, I will not allow crops that pass through to pass Tanzania’s unified crops.”
The minister said the trade war would expand from Tanzania and fertilizer to corn grain purchased by Malawi.
“All the corn they purchased to solve their hunger problems will not be allowed to leave the country for Malawi, we will not send it there.
“Third, on May 1st, they were supposed to start taking fertilizer from Tanzania or the next agricultural season, so fertilizer will not allow them to go to Malawi.”
The Minister ended by assuring Tanzanians that the measure would not affect Tanzania’s food security. “And this measure does not put national or food security at risk. No Tanzanians will die from a lack of grapes and apples in South Africa.”
Nevertheless, on Friday, April 25, 2025, the Minister recognised the notice that the government had given all trade restrictions that would allow for negotiations being held between Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Malawi. These efforts are led by the Foreign Minister. I may explain this more in future essays.
