Botswana has removed its restriction on fresh vegetable imports from South Africa, addressing challenges in meeting local demand through domestic production alone. The ban, initially implemented in 2022, was lifted in two stages: the first in December of the previous year and the second at the beginning of April.
According to Dipepeneneng Serage, a deputy director-general in South Africa’s department of agriculture, trade between the two nations has resumed, with improved relations following the election of Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko. The previous administration, led by Mokgweetsi Masisi, had enforced the ban to bolster local farmers by enhancing their access to the domestic market.
Mmatlou Kalaba, a senior analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, noted, “But I think as an instrument, it was really ineffective … You can limit [imports] and see the extent to which the farmers are responding to the new opportunities, but you don’t start with a ban and hope to start the new supply chain from the ground.”
In December, Botswana lifted restrictions on turmeric, patty pans, pumpkin, green peas, mushrooms, and eggplants. From this month, South Africa can export additional products, including beetroot, butternut, cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, green melons, herbs, lettuce, onions, potatoes, sweet pepper, tomato, and watermelons.
Thabile Nkunjane, an economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, observed, “We already saw that there was an increase in our exports to that country, and the rational or the explanation for that is because Botswana didn’t have enough for vegetables. That’s the reality of it.”
The complete removal of the bans is anticipated to benefit South African farmers, particularly in North West, Limpopo, and Gauteng. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), highlighted the opportunity for the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) to enhance collaboration and eliminate trade distortions. “While South Africa is a main exporter now, it is useful that we also assist Botswana to increasingly boost their domestic production where conditions permit,” he stated.
In 2024, the Sacu region represented about 19% of South Africa’s agricultural exports, matching the value of exports to the European Union, as per Agbiz data. Over the past five years, 11% of South Africa’s agricultural imports originated from the Sacu region.
Namibia’s import ban on South African agricultural products remains, but Nkunjane remarked that South Africa has diversified into other markets, mitigating the impact. “We are beginning to see a diversification of what we were sending to Botswana and Namibia — and sending it to other countries — which is a positive for the country,” he commented.
Kalaba reflected on the lifting of the Botswana ban as a relief following the imposition of a 31% tariff on all South African imports by the United States, with agriculture among the sectors likely affected. “Anything that actually reduces that kind of stress is welcome,” he added.
Source: Mail & guardian