Botswana reimposes ban on SA vegetable imports, with little notice

Botswana has reimposed an import ban on selected vegetables from South Africa, with little notice of its decision.

The restrictions were first introduced in 2022 to promote local production, then eased in stages starting in December 2024 after new President Duma Boko took office.

RELATED: Botswana lifts ban on importing South African vegetables

The new list of affected produce was published by Botswana's Ministry of Lands and Agriculture on 8 December.  It includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, onions and carrots.

Agbiz economist Wandile Sihlobo takes issue not only with the disruption caused by this lack of timely notification, but also with the fact that member countries are not following the rules of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

"The core thing is, you can tap on South African shoulders and say 'I'm trying to grow my X/Y/Z industry' and we can even assist in the way that you have the the inputs to do that. Thereafter, the South African industries would be able to plan and plan appropriately, as to what to do."'

South Africa's response will need to be "sensitive but firm", Sihlobo remarks.

In essence, we must ensure that SACU works for all and that South African industries don't become disadvantaged by poor policy communication in the region, he summarises in an article for News24.

There is value in reviewing the customs union and its benefits for all members, he says.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the conversation, and click here to read Sihlobo's detailed article