In a new escalation of a continuous commercial conflict, Tanzania announced the imposition of a comprehensive ban on agricultural imports from South Africa and Malawi, in a move that is likely to hinder the movement of trade between the three countries in the southern African continent.
The Minister of Tanzanian Agriculture, Hussein Bashi, said in a press conference yesterday, Wednesday, that the decision came to protect the country’s commercial interests, stressing that the embargo represents in response to what he described as mutual respect in commercial relations.
“This is a trade, and in trade it should respect each other,” he said, noting that the decision was taken after the failure of diplomatic efforts to settle disputes.
Bashi added that the aim of the ban is not to ignite a commercial war, but rather to protect the local market from unfair practices, explaining, “Tanzania will not allow the continuation of unequal access to its markets at the expense of the interest of its people.”
The roots of the commercial crisis
The roots of commercial differences are due to several years, as South Africa prevented the entry of Tanzanian banana to its markets, while Malawi, which has direct borders with Tanzania, imposed restrictions on several Tanzanian exports, which included bananas, corn, flour, rice and ginger.
These measures have created great challenges for Tanzanian merchants and sparked a wave of discontent within the country.
For his part, the Minister of Trade Malawi, Vitombico Mumba, justified these measures that it aims to support local products and enable them to grow, but Tanzania expressed concern about the direct damage to its traders and local economy as a result of these policies.
The implications of the ban
The prohibition is expected to be caused by concrete damage to the flow of goods from South Africa and Malawi to the Tanzanian markets.
South Africa’s agricultural exports, especially fruits such as apples and grapes, will be affected, while Malawi, as a non -coastal country, may face greater challenges due to its dependence on the Tanzanian ports, foremost of which is the port of Dar Al Salam.
With the possibility of losing this vital port, Malawi may have to convert its shipments into Mozambique ports such as Piera and Nanala, which may raise the costs of transportation and affect the competitiveness of its exports.
Horizons of the solution
Despite the escalation of tensions, hopes are still hanging on resolving differences through diplomatic channels.
Minister Bashi indicated that the talks are still ongoing with the two sides in an attempt to avoid more escalation.
While Tanzania seeks to diversify its commercial partners, by searching for alternative markets in Kenya, Namibia and South Sudan, the options appear to Malawi more limited due to its great dependence on the Tanzanian infrastructure.
The ban is expected to have great repercussions on the regional economy, especially in light of the membership of the three countries in the South African Development Group (SADC), which aims to enhance cooperation and economic integration between the countries of the group.
