By Brandon Moss

Africa’s agricultural sector, which had begun to recover from last season’s severe drought, is facing renewed pressure as trade tensions escalate both globally and within the continent.

New reciprocal tariffs introduced by the United States are adding to the strain, while a growing number of African countries have also implemented restrictive trade measures. Botswana has repeatedly imposed bans on vegetable imports from South Africa, while Malawi has introduced controls on a wide range of imported goods.

According to Thabile Nkunjana, senior agricultural economist at South Africa’s National Agricultural Marketing Council, these actions risk undermining the continent’s broader trade ambitions.

“The trade restrictions are really distorting the dream of seeing the African Continental Free Trade Area expand and operate efficiently,” Nkunjana said. “One of the key factors contributing to stagnant intra-African trade is the high tariffs that some countries impose on others.”

Analysts warn that if such barriers persist, Africa’s fragile agricultural recovery could be undermined. Reduced market access and higher trade costs may limit growth opportunities for farmers, disrupt regional supply chains and slow progress toward deeper continental integration under the AfCFTA framework.