South Africa Welcomes Tanzania’s Decision to Lift Agricultural Ban

• Apr 27, 2025

South Africa has expressed its appreciation for Tanzania’s decision to lift a ban on agricultural imports. The move has been welcomed as a sign of the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations. Earlier this week, Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, had announced a suspension on agricultural produce imports from South Africa and Malawi. Along with the suspension, the export of fertilizers to Malawi was also halted.

This decision was made after diplomatic efforts between South Africa and Tanzania to resolve the trade dispute. Both countries, along with Malawi, are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and their ministers worked to address the issue through constructive discussions.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, confirmed the lifting of the bans through a statement issued on Saturday. Lamola noted that the resolution was the result of "constructive diplomatic engagement" between the Foreign Affairs ministries of both countries. He emphasized the historic bond shared between South Africa and Tanzania, noting the importance of their relationship in advancing Pan-Africanism, economic integration, and inclusive growth.

“Tanzania and South Africa are united not only by history but also by a collective commitment to building a stronger, more integrated Africa,” Lamola said. He also highlighted that Tanzania, which celebrated its 61st Union Anniversary on April 26, continues to serve as a symbol of Pan-African unity and solidarity.

In the spirit of African unity, Lamola acknowledged Tanzania’s role in inspiring the continent and called for increased collaboration between the two nations in areas such as trade, people-to-people connections, and regional integration. He pointed out that this resolution should act as a catalyst for achieving the goals outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on a prosperous and integrated Africa.

This positive development between South Africa and Tanzania marks a step forward in their shared vision of building a stronger and more united African continent.