Border Closures on the Cob: Botswana’s Sudden Veggie Ban Squeezes SA Farmers

A Sudden Border Slam: Botswana’s Veggie Ban Returns, Rattling Regional Trade

In a move that has caught farmers and traders off guard, Botswana’s government has reinstated a ban on the import of over a dozen fresh vegetables from its neighbours, including South Africa. The sudden restriction, issued on 8 December “until further notice,” covers staple items like tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots, and butternuteffectively slamming the door on a key export market for South African producers.

The ban marks a sharp policy reversal for President Duma Boko’s administration, which had previously lifted similar restrictions implemented by the former government to help combat rising food inflation. Now, in a bid to promote local production, Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has listed 16 vegetables barred from entry, throwing regional supply chains into disarray.

The Cost to South African Farmers

South Africa exports approximately $218 million in vegetables annually worldwide. Botswana accounts for roughly $17 million (8%) of that total. While the exact number of affected farmers is unclear, the financial impact is immediate and significant for those who have long cultivated produce for the regional market.

Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo expressed deep concern over the lack of consultation and the abrupt nature of the decision. “We continuously see countries restricting imports of agricultural products on short notice, with limited communication,” Sihlobo stated, naming Botswana and Namibia as repeat offenders within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

A SACU Loophole and a Call for “Sensitive but Firm” Response

SACU is designed to promote free trade and economic integration among its members. However, as Sihlobo points out, the agreement contains a loophole that permits such import restrictions. He argues that South Africa’s response must be “sensitive but firm,” pushing for time-limited bans that allow Botswana to rebuild its industry without permanently closing the market.

Sihlobo also highlighted a potential silver lining: Botswana’s drive to boost local farming could create opportunities for South African agribusinesses to supply farm implements and inputs. “Botswana should remain open and not hostile in this respect,” he urged.

For now, trucks that would have carried tomatoes and onions north are halted, and South African farmers are left navigating yet another unpredictable trade barrier. The ban underscores the fragile nature of regional food trade, where policy shifts can happen overnight, leaving livelihoods hanging in the balance and testing the principles of the very trade blocs designed to prevent such disruptions

{Source: BusinessDay}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com