• Burkina Faso suspends fresh tomato exports to secure supply for domestic processing plants.

• Authorities halt export permits while granting a two-week window for existing operatorsto complete shipments.

• The move aligns with industrial expansion aimed at reducing tomato paste imports, which averaged 15,441 tonnes annually.

Burkina Faso suspended fresh tomato exports until further notice starting March 16. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture jointly announced the decision in an official statement.

Authorities said they introduced the measure to ensure sufficient raw material supply for local processing units. 

They stated: “[…] The issuance of Special Export Authorizations (ASE) is suspended. Economic operators holding valid export authorizations for fresh tomatoes have a period of two [02] weeks from the date of signature of this communiqué to complete their export procedures.”

The government has strengthened the domestic tomato processing industry in recent years. President Ibrahim Traoré inaugurated the Faso Tomates Company (SOFATO) planted in Pognongo in December 2024. Project sponsors invested CFA5.6 billion ($9.8 million) in the facility. The plant processes 5 tonnes of tomatoes per hour and produces derivative products, including tomato paste.

Earlier in November 2024, investors launched the Burkina Faso Tomato Company (SOBTO)plant in Dogona. The Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC) funded the project with an investment of CFA7.5 billion ($13.1 million).

The facility processes 6 tonnes of tomatoes per hour and produces 800 kg of tomato concentrate per hour under the “A’diaa” brand. In addition, APEC announced the launch of another processing plant in Tenkodogo in March 2026.

Construction of the new facility has already reached more than 70% completion. Authorities aim to develop local industry and reduce dependence on imported tomato products. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Burkina Faso imported an average of 15,441 tonnes of tomato paste annually between 2020 and 2024.

Imports peaked at 26,451 tonnes in 2024. The country spent an average of $5.4 million per year on these purchases during the period. The export suspension reinforces the government’s industrialization strategy.

The decision should have limited immediate impact on regional markets. Data from Trade Map show that Burkina Faso has exported nearly all its fresh tomatoes to Ghana in recent years. 

However, Ghana suspended tomato imports from Burkina Faso on February 17. Authorities took that decision after a terrorist attack in Titao threatened Ghanaian traders. Before recent disruptions, trade flows between both countries remained significant. 

The Sahel and West Africa Club stated that the regional tomato value chain suffers from “massive underreporting” of trade flows. Official data show that Ghana imported about 1,700 tonnes of tomatoes in 2022.

However, the organization estimates that actual volumes could reach nearly 100,000 tonnes based on industry figures. In this context, traders will closely monitor developments in Burkina Faso, especially as Ghana maintains only a temporary suspension.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum