Botswana ban on agricultural imports extended

A meeting was pending between South Africa and Botswana following the decision by Botswana to extend the ban on agricultural imports from South Africa.

The ban, which was due to end in December 2023, was extended in early December and will remain in place until 2025, despite the free trade agreements in place between the two countries.

South Africa, historically contributing about 80% of the Botswana’s food supply, faced a significant challenge with the initiation of the ban, which started in January 2022.

According to Botswana’s agriculture ministry, the ban was put in place in an effort to boost its own farmers, allow the country to become self-sufficient in food production, and reduce its import bill.

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the import ban had led to a 71% reduction in the country’s fresh-produce import expenditures. Its agriculture ministry said the ban on imports of tomatoes, potatoes, beetroot, cabbage, coloured peppers and other produce would double in items, taking the list of banned produce to 32, come July.

In between is a grace period giving Botswana’s farmers time to cultivate and plant crops, ensuring that local produce will be readily available, the ministry said.

South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza said she was concerned about the negative impact this would have on bilateral trade between the two countries. She was due to seek an urgent meeting with Botswana to raise her concerns and engage on the underlying concerns that have made Botswana take this move.

She had also raised South Africa’s concerns on these restrictions during the Southern African Customs Union summit in July 2023. “There was hope that a broader bilateral engagement will take place between agriculture and trade ministers of the two countries to try and have a better understanding on what has occasioned such a move from Botswana. We hope that the engagements will assist in resolving this challenge for the benefit of our countries and industry.”

Meanwhile, the DA has also expressed concern. “We have taken note of Minister Thoko Didiza’s efforts to engage in discussions through the South African Ambassador to Botswana to address this issue. While we welcome this initiative, it is disconcerting that a meeting date has not yet been established,” said Noko Masipa, DA Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

“Urgently setting a date is crucial, as farmers are already facing significant challenges. They are producing goods for their markets, and those who have planted crops for Botswana customers are now unable to sell their produce.

“South Africa lacks mechanisms to shield its farmers from such market disruptions, in contrast to Botswana and other nations that prioritise their farmers through rebates and protectionist measures.”

The DA urged the agriculture department to collaborate with Botswana. “We call for transparent and regular communication to keep both farmers and the South African public informed. The DA will be corresponding with the Minister to inquire about [...] the actions she plans to undertake.” –

AGRICULTURE MINISTER THOKO DIDIZA SEEKS MEETING WITH BOTSWANA