The article highlights the ongoing tension within the African banana industry, with representatives from the Afruibana association urgently appealing to government officials and trade ministers for financial support to enhance workers' wages amidst a backdrop of escalating living costs. This appeal is a response to the European Parliament and Council's agreement on minimum wages within the EU, which could potentially be extended to overseas territories, including banana producers. The association expresses concerns over the potential of fair trade advocates imposing these increased wages, fearing it could lead to unfair competition and financial strain on producers, especially with the added costs of Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications. They stress the need for fair wages and social justice but are worried about the potential negative impact on investments and are calling for a reevaluation of the way wages are set and enforced.