Africa’s agricultural sector, which appeared to be recovering from last season’s severe drought, is facing fresh challenges as trade tensions rise both internationally and within the continent.

The United States has introduced reciprocal tariffs, while African countries have also imposed restrictive measures. Botswana has repeatedly banned South African (SA) vegetable imports, and Malawi has rolled out restrictions on a range of imported goods.

Senior agricultural economist Thabile Nkunjana, of SA’s National Agricultural Marketing Council, said the measures are undermining continental trade ambitions. “The trade restrictions are really distorting the dream of seeing the African Free Trade Area expand and operate efficiently,” Nkunjana said. “One of the key factors that has contributed to stagnant trade within Africa is the higher tariffs that some countries impose on others.”

Experts warn that if such barriers persist, Africa’s fragile agricultural recovery and intra-continental trade could be severely affected, limiting growth opportunities for farmers and markets across the region.

–ChannelAfrica–