Botswana has again restricted imports of several vegetables from its neighbours, including South Africa, to promote local produce. A government notice issued by Botswana's ministry of lands and agriculture on December 8 lists about 16 vegetables that are banned from import, including tomatoes, potatoes, white and red cabbage, onions, watermelon, beetroot, carrots, lettuce, ginger, red and yellow peppers, garlic and butternut. The ban is in place "until further notice".
South Africa exports about $218m of vegetables annually to global markets. Botswana accounts for roughly $17m, or 8%, of that total. The precise number of local farmers affected by the latest restrictions is unclear.
According to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo, the restriction marks a policy reversal by Botswana President Duma Boko's administration, which had previously lifted similar bans imposed by the former government "as inflationary pressures continued to bite households". However, the lack of consultation and the abruptness of the move have raised concerns.
"We continuously see countries restricting imports of agricultural products on short notice, with limited communication to other countries," Sihlobo said, calling Namibia and Botswana the major culprits. "They blocked South Africa's vegetable imports in 2021 and at various points in subsequent years."
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