Tanzania – May 2, 2025 — Tanzania and Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and economic cooperation following recent tensions, as outlined in a Joint Communiqué signed today in Dodoma.
The Joint Communiqué was formally signed by Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, and Ms. Nancy Gladys Tembo (MP), Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The agreement follows a high-level Joint Ministerial Meeting involving the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry from both countries.
The meeting was convened in the wake of Malawi’s unilateral trade restriction imposed on March 13, 2025, which barred the importation of certain agricultural and plant-based products—sparking concern among Tanzanian exporters and prompting diplomatic engagement.
Tensions further escalated when Tanzania responded with a countermeasure on April 23, 2025, issuing a temporary ban on the importation of plant and plant products from Malawi. These measures strained the traditionally cordial trade relations between the two Southern African neighbours.
In the communiqué, both nations emphasized their mutual intent to move beyond the recent frictions and rebuild trust through structured dialogue and cooperation.
They recognized the historical and friendly ties that have long defined their bilateral relationship and praised the leadership of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera for their commitment to regional harmony.
Key outcomes of the meeting include Malawi’s acknowledgment of Tanzania’s recent decision to lift its import ban. In reciprocation, the Malawian government pledged to issue an administrative instrument with immediate effect to ease cross-border trade.
To ensure future stability, both sides agreed to formulate Standard Operating Procedures for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards in line with regional and international frameworks. This is expected to minimize misunderstandings over trade compliance and prevent future disruptions.
The ministers also committed to fast-tracking the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime Agreement, as agreed during the 6th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation held in Lilongwe from February 24–27, 2025. The new implementation deadline is May 30, 2025, pending the completion of internal legal processes.
The Malawian delegation extended its gratitude to the Government and people of Tanzania for the warm hospitality and efficient organization of the meeting.