Pretoria – Tanzania has lifted its ban on importing agricultural products in South Africa.
Tanzanian authorities had banned imports of apples and other agricultural products from South Africa and imposed retaliation for allegedly refusing Tanzanian bananas to enter the market.
Commenting on the issue on Saturday (April 26, 2026), SA Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamora said “we warmly welcomed Tanzania's decision to lift the ban on imports on South African agricultural products.”
“This resolution follows constructive diplomatic engagement between Minister Ramora and his counterparts, and highlights the enduring strength of bilateral relations,” the Bureau of International Relations and Cooperation said.
The Minister agreed to promote the resolution of all outstanding issues.
In praise of the move, Minister Lamora reaffirmed the value of the dialogue and stated: “The results show that diplomatic routes continue to be the most effective path to solving challenges.
He highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between South Africa and Tanzania. This is fixed in the spirit of a common vision of solidarity and mutual prosperity in Africa.
“Our country is bound by history as well as by its collective commitment to fostering pan-Africanism, economic integration and inclusive growth,” he added.
The announcement coincides with the 61st anniversary of Tanzania's unification. This is a historic milestone marked every 26th April. On this day in 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania, and transcended division to build the identity of a unified nation.
Minister Lamora welcomed the opportunity as a “Pan-African beacon” and said that the Tanzania journey continues to inspire the continent.
“South Africa prepares to commemorate our own National Freedom Day on April 27th, so we draw strength from an example of Tanzania's unification of diversity,” he said.
“Their stories remind us that progress is born from solidarity and that our fate as an African nation is intertwined.”
Minister Ramora expressed optimism by fostering continued efforts to deepen cooperation, strengthening trade, people-to-people relationships and regional integration.
“This decision should be a stepping stone towards Agenda 2063: Working together to realize the African aspirations we want, and a stepping stone towards even greater collaboration,” he concluded.
