Burkina Faso on Wednesday, 31st March, announced the decision to officially remove its temporary ban on the export of fresh tomatoes. The Burkinabè
Burkina Faso on Wednesday, 31st March, announced the decision to officially remove its temporary ban on the export of fresh tomatoes.
The Burkinabè government announced its decision after local processing factories were able to restock their supplies following a short pause that began in mid-March.
The reopening of export channels depends on formal agreements from industry participants to prioritise local supply.
Authorities have indicated that the ban may be reintroduced if these conditions are not met.
The removal of the restriction is anticipated to greatly benefit neighbouring countries, particularly Ghana, which relies on Burkina Faso for about 90% of its fresh tomato imports.
Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry expressed approval of the decision, highlighting that it resulted from extensive diplomatic discussions focused on stabilising trade in the region.
The expected restart of exports is likely to quickly relieve supply issues and contribute to a decrease in increasing market prices for consumers in the sub-region.
The initial ban was a component of a wider “food sovereignty” plan implemented by Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s transitional government to support the local agro-processing industry.
Burkina Faso intends to decrease its dependence on imported tomato paste and enhance the value of its raw agricultural products by creating and financing new facilities, such as the SOFATO plant in Yako.
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