Burkina Faso has suspended all exports of fresh tomatoes with immediate effect, in a move aimed at protecting domestic processing industries and securing raw material supply, according to a government directive issued on March 16, 2026.
The decision, announced in a joint communiqué signed by Industry Minister Serge Gnaniodem Poda and Agriculture Minister Ismaël Sombie, reflects a broader push by the military-led government to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports.
“The exportation of fresh tomatoes is suspended across the entire national territory until further notice,” the statement said, citing the need to guarantee supply to national processing factories.
The ban applies to all exporters, including businesses and individuals, and comes alongside the immediate suspension of Special Export Authorisations (ASE). Authorities said existing permits will remain valid for only two weeks, after which all approvals will be revoked.
Officials warned that violations will attract sanctions under existing laws. Tomatoes seized from illegal exports will be redirected to local processing facilities, particularly those operating under state-backed shareholding schemes. To read more visit: https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/burkina-faso-bans-tomato-exports-to-protect-local-industry-with-ripple-effects-across/vdymq6f
