The government of Botswana’s repeated restrictions on South African fresh produce are drawing sharp criticism from industry leaders, who say the unpredictable pattern of border closures is undermining trade planning and raising serious questions about the integrity of the Southern African Customs Union.
Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum Chief Executive Officer, Piet de Jager was blunt to note, “Botswana is not playing ball. They are quick to close the border to South Africa when they are in production but when they have a shortage, they open imports again. It is not a fair way of doing things and it shouldn’t be happening within SACU.”
Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that whilst restrictions appear to have eased with fruit moving to Botswana since early March, the underlying problem remains. “What is important now is that Botswana seeks a path that is more sustainable and considerate of regional needs, so that producers and exporters in South Africa can plan according to predictable export opportunities and consumers in Botswana can rely on a predictable supply of fresh produce.”
Sihlobo said import bans within SACU should be reserved strictly for disease outbreaks. “The only time we should see a ban on imports is when there is a plant or animal disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth disease. However, we see Botswana and Namibia frequently introducing restrictions. Sometimes Botswana does not even inform the lawmakers in South Africa and we get to learn about it in the news. This is not very constructive and undermines the spirit of SACU,” said Siholobo.
The economic damage is measurable. South Africa’s total agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports to Botswana reached R3.1 billion in 2025, with vegetable exports alone accounting for R368 million. The Western Cape, a major regional supplier, saw exports to Botswana fall 12% from R379.3 million in 2024 to R333.3 million in 2025. Western Cape Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer warned that continuous bans lead to production downscaling, reduced post-harvest activity and potential farm labour retrenchments.
Botswana accounts for around 15% of South Africa’s total vegetable exports, a market share significant enough to make its trade behaviour consequential. Sihlobo suggested a more productive path forward of collaboration on domestic productivity improvements, drawing on the model used by the Citrus Growers’ Association to share technology across Southern Africa. “We look forward to working with our neighbours to help them boost their vegetable production over time, thereby reducing their reliance on South Africa.” stated Sihlobo.
De Jager concluded that the frequency of the disruptions raises a broader question about SACU’s effectiveness. “It really is a fly in the ointment when we are negotiating trade agreements, as it always comes down to SACU,” ended De Jager.
