Burkina Faso suspends fresh tomato exports 

Burkina Faso has suspended all fresh tomato exports with immediate effect, as the military-led government seeks to safeguard domestic processing units from potential supply shortages.

The ban was announced in a joint communiqué dated March 16, 2026, signed by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Artisanat, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commandant Ismaël Sombie. The directive covers the entire national territory and all operators involved in fresh tomato exportation.

“The exportation of fresh tomatoes is suspended across the entire national territory until further notice,” the communiqué states, citing the need to ensure adequate supply for national processing units.

The issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has also been suspended. Operators holding valid export permits have been given a two-week window from the date of the communiqué to complete pending exports. After the deadline, all authorisations will be null and void.

The government warned that violators will face sanctions under existing regulations. Any goods seized in breach of the ban will be handed over, free of charge, to industrial tomato processing units established under Burkina Faso’s popular shareholding framework.

This move is part of Burkina Faso’s broader strategy to develop its agro-processing sector and reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, a policy that has intensified under the transitional military administration led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The ban is expected to impact cross-border tomato trade in the sub-region, including in Ghana, which relies on produce from Burkina Faso, particularly in northern regions.

The government called on all stakeholders in the tomato value chain, as well as border control and security services, to ensure full compliance with the directive.