By Nico van Burick
Botswana’s government intends to lift the remaining import restrictions on certain South African vegetables and other agricultural products this month.
In December 2024 President Duma Boko partially lifted the import restrictions in place since 2021. The government plans to reopen the borders to imports, including beetroot, butternut squash, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, herbs, lettuce, onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist of Agbiz, notes that this is good news for South African producers and traders, but Botswana consumers will also benefit. “With Botswana now looking to lift its restrictions, the focus should shift to Namibia, which imposed import restrictions on vegetables from South Africa around the same time.”
The motivation behind the import ban for both countries was to strengthen their local industries and protect them from imports.
Sihlobo says the ban has created uncertainty, causing some to believe the free trade agreement within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) should be reviewed, especially considering South Africa shares financial resources with the region. However, he warns against fostering an unfriendly relationship within the SACU region.
“South Africa must enhance its efforts to nurture healthy relationships and foster friendships. SACU, which includes Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, deserves South Africa’s attention.”
South Africa benefits from the free trade environment despite recent problems.
According to TradeMap data, approximately 19% of South Africa’s agricultural exports, totalling $13.7 billion, were sent to SACU, a figure comparable to what South Africa exports to the European Union (EU).
The EU exports are mainly fruits and wine, while the SACU region’s basket contains grains, vegetables and beverages.
At the same time, South Africa imports $816 million (R15 billion), approximately 11% of its agricultural imports, from SACU. These mainly consist of cattle and sugar from Namibia and Eswatini.
Sihlobo believes trade restrictions are not an appropriate method for countries in the region to boost their production. Instead, there should be increased cooperation to leverage South Africa’s technological and scientific expertise.
“Botswana should identify which industries it wishes to develop and can then leverage South African skills. South Africa will benefit if neighbouring countries boost their production, and in the long run, this could lead to SACU exports to other parts of the world.”
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