Burkina Faso Bans Fresh Tomato Exports

Burkina Faso has banned the export of fresh tomatoes alongside a suspension of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) issuance until further notice.

This was communicated by the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources in a press release dated March 16, 2026.

The government directed economic operators holding valid export authorisations for fresh tomatoes to use the next two weeks to complete their export procedures, after which the authorisations will be null and void.

It emphasised its resolution to enforce the directive, noting that offenders will be sanctioned in accordance with the regulations in force.

“Any goods seized in violation of this measure will be redistributed, free of charge, to industrial units processing fresh tomatoes established under the framework of popular shareholding initiatives,” a translated version of the release communicated.

This development will significantly impact Ghana and neighbouring countries reliant on Burkina Faso for tomatoes.

There are growing concerns among the public about a potential shortage of tomatoes in the Ghanaian market.

Story by Hajara Fuseni

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