Botswana and Namibia, members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), have extended their ban on South African vegetables to stimulate local production and reduce reliance on imports. This includes a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and onions. Despite the SACU agreement promoting free trade, it permits such restrictions under specific conditions, including national security, which Botswana and Namibia might claim. This situation impacts South African farmers who have been key suppliers to the region.
The ban's extension, announced by Botswana in December 2023 for two more years, has raised concerns among South African stakeholders. The response from South Africa seeks to balance respect for Botswana and Namibia's objectives with the need to protect its agricultural interests. Given that Africa, particularly southern Africa, is a significant market for South African agricultural exports, finding a middle ground is essential. Options include negotiating specific periods for market access to align with local production gaps in Botswana and Namibia, ensuring food security and affordability while supporting domestic agricultural sectors.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za