Burkina Faso suspends fresh tomato exports

The Government of Burkina Faso has announced the immediate suspension of fresh tomato exports nationwide in a move aimed at ensuring adequate supply for domestic processing industries.

The directive, issued in a joint communiqué by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Crafts, affects all economic operators involved in the tomato value chain and remains in force until further notice.

Under the new measure, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) for fresh tomatoes has been halted.

However, exporters who already hold valid permits have been granted a two-week window from March 6, 2026, to complete their export processes.

After this grace period, all existing authorisations will be rendered invalid.

Authorities warn that any breach of the directive will attract sanctions in accordance with existing regulations.

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In addition, any fresh tomatoes seized in violation of the ban will be confiscated and transferred at no cost to local processing companies operating under the government’s People’s Shareholding Programme.

The government is calling on stakeholders in the tomato sector, including traders, farmers, border officials and security agencies, to cooperate fully to ensure effective implementation of the directive.

Members of the public have also been encouraged to report violations through designated toll-free lines provided by the authorities.

The move is part of broader efforts by the Burkinabè government to strengthen local agro-processing capacity and stabilise supply within the domestic market.