Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has expressed optimism that Botswana’s recent electoral outcome will pave the way for improved trade relations regarding that country’s ban on SA fresh produce imports.
This comes after last week’s surprising election results, in which the Umbrella for Democratic Change party led by Duma Boko ended the Botswana Democratic Party’s rule after 58 years.
Implemented in 2022 to support Botswana’s local agricultural sector, the ban has led to revenue losses for SA farmers who previously supplied Botswana’s market with produce such as onions, potatoes and cabbages. The ban was recently extended to 2025, with the latest expansions to include oranges.
The minister has said the bans were politically motivated and called for the new administration to employ more pragmatic approaches to trade.
“It was clear to me that the issue of barring SA fresh goods, in violation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, was being used as a political posturing issue,” said Steenhuisen.
“I am hopeful, given the election is now over, that a more rational and sensible approach will follow.”
According to Steenhuisen, Botswana lacks the capacity to meet its domestic demand for fresh produce, and restricting imports from SA has constrained supply and increased prices.
“SA agricultural products are of the highest quality and increasing supply into Botswana can lower the price for their consumers,” he said.
“We will be lobbying to reopen the trade in fresh goods and agricultural products as it is a mutually beneficial relationship for both Botswana and SA. The reality is that Botswana does not have the volumes of fresh products to meet the demands of their domestic market.”
The Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) has echoed the minister’s sentiments, saying the bans worsened food inflation and forced many households to tighten their belts.
Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said the new government should prioritise consumers and farmers and ensure that trade routes remain fair and open.
While Botswana previously defended its decision to restrict SA imports, citing self-sufficiency and economic empowerment of local farmers, Sihlobo has suggested regional co-operation could better support Botswana’s agricultural development.
“Lifting the ban will be a much-welcome relief for many. And yes, the Botswana farmers must be supported to increase their domestic production. However, we could reach this goal through co-ordinated regional agricultural policy. The ban on imports the previous administration introduced was a policy mistake (with minimal consideration for consumer welfare),” Sihlobo said.
Botswana’s import restrictions are part of a larger trend in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region, with Namibia having implemented similar measures. Sihlobo has previously criticised such policies for undermining regional co-operation within SACU.
Sihlobo warned these restrictions harmed SA farmers and hampered broader agricultural collaboration.
“I hope this will be an agricultural approach for President Duma Boko’s administration,” he said.
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