Ouagadougou: The export of fresh tomatoes has been suspended across Burkina Faso's national territory until further notice. This decision aims to ensure the adequate supply of national processing units, as stated in a communiqu© received by AIB on Monday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, a joint statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade, dated March 16, 2026, outlines the suspension of fresh tomato exports to prioritize domestic processing facilities. The issuance of Special Export Authorizations (ASEs) is also halted. Economic operators with valid permits are given a two-week window from the date of the statement to finalize their export activities. Post this period, any pending permits will be invalidated.

The statement emphasizes that those who contravene this decision will face sanctions as per existing regulations. Additionally, any seized merchandise violating the export suspension will be redirected, at no cost, to local fresh tomato processing plants, which operate under a popular shareholding scheme.

The government has urged citizens to report any non-compliance with this directive through the toll-free numbers 8000 11 84/85/86, reinforcing its commitment to uphold the new export suspension policy.