The Malawi Government is set to lift its ban on importation of Tanzanian commodities following discussions between officials from the two countries on Friday.
A joint communiqué states that the two countries have also agreed to finish relevant legal framework requirements on simplifying trade.
Reads the communiqué: “The Republic of Malawi appreciated the decision of the United Republic of Tanzania in lifting the Prohibition Notice on Importation of Plant and Plant Products from the Republic of Malawi issued on 23 April 2025.
“In reciprocity, the Government of the Republic of Malawi committed to issue an administrative instrument to relevant authorities to facilitate imports and exports between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi with effect from the date of this communiqué.”
Malawi banned imports of commodities such as maize flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize, among others, as one way of encouraging local producers.
In retaliation, the Tanzanian Government announced a ban on all agricultural imports from Malawi to protect the country’s business interests, according to that country’s Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe.
But Tanzania lifted its ban and announced that they are set to discuss the debacle with the Malawi Government.
And according to the communiqué, both governments will implement all outcomes agreed for the benefit of their citizenry.
The communiqué also states that both governments have agreed to develop common standard operating procedures on sanitary and phynotary sanitary standards in line with regional and international guidelines.
“Further, the delegations commended the excellent bilateral ties existing between the two countries while emphasising the need to further strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit and recognising the importance of adhering to regional and international frameworks in the conduct of bilateral cooperation in the area of trade,” the statement reads.
The the discussions emphasised the shared commitment to deepen trade relations, foster economic cooperation, and address existing trade matters.
The delegation from Tanzania was led by Ambassador Mahmoud Thapit Kombo who is Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation while the Malawi delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo.
