In response to recent media reports suggesting a potential ban on the import of agricultural products from South Africa by Tanzanian authorities—allegedly due to South Africa not allowing banana imports from Tanzania—the South African Department of Agriculture provides the following clarification:
The South African Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that strong and positive trade relations exist between South Africa and Tanzania in the field of agriculture. Contrary to media speculation, there has never been a ban on the import of Tanzanian bananas into South Africa.
The National Plant Protection Organization of South Africa (NPPOZA), operating under the Department of Agriculture, has maintained productive collaboration with Tanzanian plant health authorities. Both countries have negotiated and agreed on market access for various plant and plant product commodities. For instance, Tanzanian avocados have been successfully exported to South Africa for the past four years, offering a counter-seasonal advantage that supports local consumption.
The two countries' technical counterparts are actively negotiating to facilitate the safe trade of bananas from Tanzania to South Africa. In February 2025, the South African Department of Agriculture received an official market access request from Tanzania to export bananas. This request initiated a formal scientific process, led by NPPOZA, to conduct a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) and develop phytosanitary import requirements.
The PRA process, which is still ongoing, is being conducted in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards. This rigorous process aims to establish scientifically justified import conditions that protect South Africa's biosecurity. It is essential, especially given the global threat posed by the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 fungus, the most destructive banana disease in history.
Both nations agree on the importance of allowing the PRA process to be completed without interference. This ensures that the final phytosanitary requirements are scientifically sound, protecting both countries' agricultural sectors. Once the PRA is concluded, the draft phytosanitary import requirements will be finalized, and Tanzanian authorities will be notified in compliance with international protocols.
South Africa confirms that it has never imposed a ban on Tanzanian bananas because market access for Tanzanian bananas has never been formally established. Similarly, South Africa has not received any official notification from Tanzania indicating a ban on South African agricultural products.
South Africa remains committed to maintaining open, fair, and scientifically-based agricultural trade with Tanzania, benefiting both countries.
For more information:
JanHendrik Venter
South African Government
Tel: +27 (0) 12 319 6384
Email: [email protected]