Agriculture leaders in South Africa have raised concerns over Botswana’s recurring bans on fresh produce imports, warning that unpredictable trade restrictions are disrupting regional agricultural markets and making export planning increasingly difficult.

Industry representatives say the stop-start nature of the restrictions undermines trade stability within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which includes South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Exporters Criticise Stop-Start Trade Restrictions

Piet de Jager, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, described Botswana’s approach to fresh produce imports as inconsistent and problematic for exporters.

According to De Jager, Botswana often restricts imports from South Africa when domestic production is strong, only to reopen the market during supply shortages.

This pattern, he said, creates uncertainty for exporters trying to plan shipments and manage supply chains across the region.

He added that such restrictions should not occur within SACU, where member states are expected to support smoother regional trade flows.

Western Cape Government Calls for Engagement

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said further engagement between industry stakeholders and Botswana’s agriculture authorities would be necessary to clarify which vegetable categories may be affected by the restrictions.

Discussions with Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture are expected to help determine the specific timeframes and produce groups that may face import limitations.

Signs the Ban Is Already Easing

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said the situation may already be improving.

According to Sihlobo, South African fruit exports have been moving into Botswana since early March, suggesting the restrictions have effectively been relaxed.

However, he stressed the need for a more predictable and sustainable trade framework.

Sihlobo said stable policies would allow South African farmers and exporters to plan production and exports more effectively, while also ensuring consumers in Botswana have reliable access to fresh produce.

Calls for Greater Regional Cooperation

Sihlobo added that SACU members should avoid imposing import bans on one another except in exceptional circumstances, such as outbreaks of plant or animal diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

He noted that Botswana and Namibia have periodically introduced restrictions without sufficient consultation with South African authorities, which he said undermines regional cooperation.

Instead of restricting imports, Sihlobo suggested Botswana could collaborate with South Africa to strengthen its domestic agricultural productivity by leveraging South African farming expertise and technology.

He pointed to previous regional cooperation initiatives led by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, where technical knowledge was shared with farmers across the region to boost citrus production.

Export Restrictions Impact Farmers and Jobs

Meyer said Botswana’s decision to ease restrictions would help restore a key regional market for South African agriculture.

Data from Quantec shows that South Africa’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports to Botswana reached R3.1 billion in 2025, with vegetable exports accounting for R368 million.

The top vegetable exports included frozen vegetables, other mixed vegetables, potatoes, onions and dried legumes.

However, repeated export bans have already taken a toll on the sector.

According to Meyer, persistent trade disruptions can force farmers to scale down production, reduce post-harvest activities and potentially cut farm jobs.

Botswana Key Market for South African Vegetables

Sihlobo noted that Botswana typically accounts for about 15% of South Africa’s total vegetable exports, making it one of the country’s most important regional markets.

Other major destinations include Mozambique, which accounts for around 20%, and Namibia, which represents roughly 9% of South Africa’s vegetable exports.

Namibia currently also has restrictions on some South African fresh produce imports.

Industry leaders say easing these trade barriers would strengthen regional food security, support farmers and improve economic cooperation across Southern Africa.