The government of Burkina Faso has enacted an immediate nationwide ban on the export of fresh tomatoes to prioritise the supply of domestic processing plants.
This joint directive, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture, marks a strategic shift toward strengthening the country’s internal value chain.
Effective immediately, the issuance of Special Export Authorisations (ASE) has been suspended.
Authorities have granted a strict two-week grace period from March 16 for traders holding valid permits to finalise pending shipments. Once this window expires, all existing authorisations will be rendered void.
To enforce the measure, the government has instructed border control agencies and security forces to increase oversight.
Any shipments seized in violation of the ban will be redirected, free of charge, to industrial processing units established under the national “popular shareholding” framework.
Officials are calling for cooperation from all stakeholders in the tomato sector to ensure the success of the initiative.
JOINT COMMUNIQUE NO. 007 MICA/MAERAH
Regarding the suspension of fresh tomato exports in Burkina Faso
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND HANDICRAFTS
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER, ANIMAL RESOURCES AND FISHERIES
BURKINA FASO
Motherland or Death, we shall Overcome
Ouagadougou, March 16, 2026
Economic operators and the general public are hereby informed that, with a view to ensuring the supply of national processing units, the export of fresh tomatoes is suspended throughout the national territory until further notice.
Consequently, the issuance of Special Export Authorizations (ASE) is suspended.
Economic operators who hold valid fresh tomato export authorizations have a period of two (02) weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures. After this period, the authorization will be considered null and void.
In any event, any offender against this decision is liable to sanctions in accordance with the regulations in force.
Furthermore, any goods seized in violation of this measure will be handed over, free of charge, to the fresh tomato industrial processing units established under the framework of popular shareholding.
The Government relies on the understanding and collaboration of all stakeholders in the tomato sector, as well as all technical state services—notably border control services and security forces—to ensure the proper execution of the terms of this communiqué.
Any case of non-compliance with the provisions of this communiqué may be reported to the following toll-free numbers: 80 00 11 84 / 85 / 86.
The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts
(Signed and Stamped)
Serge Gnaniodem PODA
Officer of the Order of the Stallion
The Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Water, Animal Resources and Fisheries
(Signed and Stamped)
Commander Ismaël SOMBIE
Officer of the Order of the Stallion
