Latest news with #HusseinBashe
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'My bananas were seized and destroyed' - Malawi-Tanzania trade row escalates
Traders are counting their losses as Tanzania clamps down on people trying to flout a ban on goods from neighbouring Malawi in an escalating regional trade row. On Friday, businesswomen told the BBC that some fellow traders had been arrested on the second day of a ban imposed by Tanzania on all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa. "My bananas were seized and destroyed. Right now, our business has brought losses, and we only have a little money left," said Jestina Chanya, a trader in Karongo, about 50km (30 miles) from the border with Tanzania. Diplomatic efforts to address the dispute have failed but Tanzania's agriculture minister said fresh talks were ongoing. Last month, Malawi blocked imports of flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize from Tanzania, and other countries, saying this was to protect local producers. South Africa has for years prohibited the entry of bananas from Tanzania. On Thursday, Tanzania's Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said trade restrictions from those two countries "directly affected" traders from his country and described the trade barrier as "unfair and harmful". Bashe announced an immediate ban on all agricultural imports from the two countries, "to protect our business interests". Trade flows have been greatly affected at Kasumulu – the official border crossing between Tanzania and Malawi. When the BBC visited the Malawian town of Karonga, traders - mostly women - said they were still shaken by the sight of tonnes of their produce slowly rotting, then ultimately being dumped after being denied entry into Tanzania. "The losses I have incurred are big because I can't go buy anything any more, and I don't even know how I will feed my children," said June Mwamwaja. But Tanzanian traders have also been hit. On Saturday Tanzania's agriculture minister posted a video on social media showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck which had been prevented from entering Malawi. Tonnes of tomatoes also spoiled at the border recently after lorries from Tanzania were denied entry into Malawi. Malawian traders like Jeniffa Mshani said they preferred agricultural goods from Tanzania because it was easier and more affordable to source them across the border. "Tanzanian products are big and sell very well in the market, and their prices are good. Our local [Malawi] products are more expensive. I have nothing to do - I don't have the capacity to compete with those [who have big capital]. I just can't," she told the BBC. They said Tanzanian produce, especially potatoes, were larger and of better quality. Others said their customers preferred Tanzanian plantains over Malawian ones, describing the former as tastier, while the latter were often spongy. But since Thursday, Malawian authorities, both at the border and in nearby markets, have become increasingly strict – often arresting traders found with Tanzanian produce. "When we bring goods from Tanzania, they turn us back. One of us was stopped and arrested right at the border," another trader said. Some of them said they had no idea why they were being blocked while some rich business people were still allowed to transport goods across the border. "They are targeting us who have little capital, while those with big money are still bringing in goods," said Ms Chanya, who sells potatoes and bananas in Karonga market. Following the crackdown, some traders have resorted to selling their goods in secret, afraid to display them openly for fear of arrest. "We only carry three or four bunches [of bananas], just to earn a living for the children," said Evelina Mwakijungu, adding: "But our large consignments have been blocked, so we have no business - we're struggling with our families". The normally bustling border crossing of Kasumulu remained noticeably quieter than usual with drivers seen relaxing in the shade of trees, while others played draughts or lounged in the back of their lorries. They declined to be quoted directly but explained that they were simply waiting for word from their bosses on what to do next. On a normal day, more than 15 lorries loaded with agricultural produce would cross the border, drivers told the BBC. Malawi's trade ministry spokesperson Patrick Botha told local media that they were yet to get official communication on the issue. "We are hearing [about] this from social media. At an appropriate time, we will comment," he was quoted as saying. Malawi has become an increasingly important market for Tanzanian goods in recent years, with exports trebling between 2018 and 2023, according to official Tanzanian figures. But landlocked Malawi, which has relied on Tanzanian ports to carry its exports such as tobacco, sugar and soybeans to the rest of the world, will have to reroute its goods. It is not yet clear how hard South Africa, which exports various fruits, including apples and grapes, to Tanzania, will be hit by the ban. South African authorities are yet to comment. The row comes at a time when Africa is supposed to be moving towards greater free trade through the establishment of a continent-wide free-trade area, which began operating four years ago. Additional reporting by Wycliffe Muia Is it checkmate for South Africa after Trump threats? Tanzania signs major carbon credit deal covering national parks Tanzania's second-hand trade war Malawi seeks billions of dollars from US firm over ruby sales Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Malawi-Tanzania trade row: 'My bananas were seized and destroyed'
Traders are counting their losses as Tanzania clamps down on people trying to flout a ban on goods from neighbouring Malawi in an escalating regional trade row. On Friday, businesswomen told the BBC that some fellow traders had been arrested on the second day of a ban imposed by Tanzania on all agricultural imports from Malawi and South Africa."My bananas were seized and destroyed. Right now, our business has brought losses, and we only have a little money left," said Jestina Chanya, a trader in Karongo, about 50km (30 miles) from the border with Tanzania. Diplomatic efforts to address the dispute have failed but Tanzania's agriculture minister said fresh talks were ongoing. Last month, Malawi blocked imports of flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize from Tanzania, and other countries, saying this was to protect local producers. South Africa has for years prohibited the entry of bananas from Thursday, Tanzania's Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said trade restrictions from those two countries "directly affected" traders from his country and described the trade barrier as "unfair and harmful".Bashe announced an immediate ban on all agricultural imports from the two countries, "to protect our business interests". Trade flows have been greatly affected at Kasumulu – the official border crossing between Tanzania and Malawi. When the BBC visited the Malawian town of Karonga, traders - mostly women - said they were still shaken by the sight of tonnes of their produce slowly rotting, then ultimately being dumped after being denied entry into Tanzania."The losses I have incurred are big because I can't go buy anything any more, and I don't even know how I will feed my children," said June Mwamwaja. But Tanzanian traders have also been Saturday Tanzania's agriculture minister posted a video on social media showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck which had been prevented from entering of tomatoes also spoiled at the border recently after lorries from Tanzania were denied entry into traders like Jeniffa Mshani said they preferred agricultural goods from Tanzania because it was easier and more affordable to source them across the border. "Tanzanian products are big and sell very well in the market, and their prices are good. Our local [Malawi] products are more expensive. I have nothing to do - I don't have the capacity to compete with those [who have big capital]. I just can't," she told the BBC. They said Tanzanian produce, especially potatoes, were larger and of better quality. Others said their customers preferred Tanzanian plantains over Malawian ones, describing the former as tastier, while the latter were often spongy. But since Thursday, Malawian authorities, both at the border and in nearby markets, have become increasingly strict – often arresting traders found with Tanzanian produce. "When we bring goods from Tanzania, they turn us back. One of us was stopped and arrested right at the border," another trader said. Some of them said they had no idea why they were being blocked while some rich business people were still allowed to transport goods across the border. "They are targeting us who have little capital, while those with big money are still bringing in goods," said Ms Chanya, who sells potatoes and bananas in Karonga market. Following the crackdown, some traders have resorted to selling their goods in secret, afraid to display them openly for fear of arrest."We only carry three or four bunches [of bananas], just to earn a living for the children," said Evelina Mwakijungu, adding: "But our large consignments have been blocked, so we have no business - we're struggling with our families".The normally bustling border crossing of Kasumulu remained noticeably quieter than usual with drivers seen relaxing in the shade of trees, while others played draughts or lounged in the back of their lorries. They declined to be quoted directly but explained that they were simply waiting for word from their bosses on what to do a normal day, more than 15 lorries loaded with agricultural produce would cross the border, drivers told the BBC. Malawi's trade ministry spokesperson Patrick Botha told local media that they were yet to get official communication on the issue."We are hearing [about] this from social media. At an appropriate time, we will comment," he was quoted as saying. Malawi has become an increasingly important market for Tanzanian goods in recent years, with exports trebling between 2018 and 2023, according to official Tanzanian landlocked Malawi, which has relied on Tanzanian ports to carry its exports such as tobacco, sugar and soybeans to the rest of the world, will have to reroute its is not yet clear how hard South Africa, which exports various fruits, including apples and grapes, to Tanzania, will be hit by the ban. South African authorities are yet to comment. The row comes at a time when Africa is supposed to be moving towards greater free trade through the establishment of a continent-wide free-trade area, which began operating four years ago. Additional reporting by Wycliffe Muia You may also be interested in: Is it checkmate for South Africa after Trump threats?Tanzania signs major carbon credit deal covering national parksTanzania's second-hand trade warMalawi seeks billions of dollars from US firm over ruby sales Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
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The South African
25-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
SA versus Tanzania… over bananas?! [video]
Watch the full version of the ' Trade war erupts between SA and Tanzania over… bananas' article – in a minute. From midnight on Wednesday, Tanzania authorities imposed an immediate ban on South African apples and other agricultural imports. The move comes after years of frustration over South Africa's alleged refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market. Malawian imports have also been blocked by Tanzania, after it was reported that Malawi blocked Tanzanian flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize in March. For the latest political news, bookmark The South African website's dedicated section for free-to-read content Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement in a televised speech, saying South Africa and Malawi had failed to lift what he called 'unfair trade restrictions' on Tanzanian produce. He claimed diplomatic talks had dragged on for five years without results and likened the situation to a similar struggle to gain access for Tanzanian avocados. He claimed the avocado dispute was finally resolved only when Tanzania began to impose reciprocal restrictions. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
25-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
Trade war erupts between SA and Tanzania over…bananas
From midnight on Wednesday, Tanzania authorities imposed an immediate ban on South African apples and other agricultural imports. The move comes after years of frustration over South Africa's alleged refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market. Malawian imports have also been blocked by Tanzania, after it was reported that Malawi blocked Tanzanian flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize in March. Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement in a televised speech, saying South Africa and Malawi had failed to lift what he called 'unfair trade restrictions' on Tanzanian produce. He claimed diplomatic talks had dragged on for five years without results and likened the situation to a similar struggle to gain access for Tanzanian avocados. He claimed the avocado dispute was finally resolved only when Tanzania began to impose reciprocal restrictions. 'We cannot continue to tolerate this unfair treatment,' Bashe said. 'While negotiations are ongoing, we must act in defence of our economic interests.' He has given South Africa and Malawi one week to lift the unspecified trade restrictions. Bashe also posted a video on Twitter (X) showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck stranded at the border with Malawi, stating it was difficult for Tanzania to tolerate the 'trend'. Bashe added that Tanzanians would not suffer from the absence of South African products such as grapes or apples. Tanzania imports between 30 000 and 40 000 (12.5kg) cartons of apples from South Africa every year. The ban also includes restrictions on humanitarian maize exports to Malawi and fertiliser collections scheduled for the upcoming Malawian planting season. South African agricultural experts and trade groups meanwhile have been caught off guard. According to the Fresh Produce Import Association of South Africa (FPIA), Tanzanian bananas are not currently approved for import because the proper phytosanitary processes, including a pest risk analysis, had not been completed. 'The process is clear, and would involve a pest risk analysis according to International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards,' said FPIA general manager, Marianna Theyse. She noted that while neither country has banana Fusarium Wilt TR4—a serious plant disease—its presence in northern Mozambique poses a significant threat. South African banana farmers have declared an oversupply in the local market, with imports coming from Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and soon Namibia. The Banana Growers Association of South Africa said they were unaware of any interest from Tanzania in entering the market, and expressed concern about the sudden trade tensions. Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that Tanzania makes up just 0.4% of South Africa's agricultural imports, with products like tea, tobacco, and coffee—not bananas—being the main exports. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tanzania bans agriculture imports from South Africa, Malawi
Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has banned the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa, saying it was retaliation for similar hostile trade measures from both countries. The three countries all belong to a regional economic bloc, the Southern African Development Community, SADC. Tanzania had demanded that both countries rescind bans on imports of agricultural goods from Tanzania by Wednesday, but they had not done so, agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said in a video posted on his X account late on Wednesday. Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam. "I would like to officially announce that from this night ... we won't allow any agricultural products from South Africa in our country," Bashe said, adding a similar ban was being imposed on Malawi. Talks to resolve the trade impasse, however, would continue with both countries, he said. He said Tanzania will start prohibiting the transit of agricultural goods from other countries through its territory to land-locked Malawi, and will also ban the export of Tanzanian fertilizer to Malawi. "We are taking this measure to protect our business. This is business, and we should all respect each other," Bashe said. REUTERS
