South Africa has lifted its suspension on selected horticultural imports from Namibia, allowing cross-border trade in key agricultural commodities such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins, and squash to resume.
Namibia's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, confirmed the decision and noted that the temporary trade suspension had caused heavy financial losses for Namibian farmers, particularly tomato growers, as the affected products are highly perishable. "The suspension had caused financial losses to local farmers, particularly tomato producers, as the affected commodities are highly perishable," Zaamwani stated. "The temporary ban also disrupted grape exports dependent on South African transit routes to reach European markets, threatening over 20,000 jobs and producer confidence."
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform reported that the National Plant Protection Organisation of Namibia (NPPONA) had submitted comprehensive technical documentation to South African authorities on 12 August 2025. The report addressed pest management, biosecurity, and product safety concerns that had prompted the suspension.
Although multiple technical consultations took place between both countries, a final resolution came only after high-level political involvement, including ministerial and presidential discussions. This led to the reinstatement of all import permits on 23 October 2025, officially restoring trade in the affected horticultural products. "As a result, all previously withdrawn permits have been reinstated, and trade in the affected commodities officially resumed on 23 October 2025," Zaamwani confirmed.
"This outcome demonstrates the robustness of Namibia's plant health systems and underscores the strength of bilateral cooperation between our two nations," she said.
Meanwhile, Zaamwani raised concern over an outbreak of African Migratory Locusts in Namibia's Zambezi Region, particularly in Kasaya, Nakabolelwa, Luhonono, Bukalo, Kabbe, Muyako, Masokotwani, and Linyanti. She explained that the floodplains of Muyako and Old Masokotwani, known breeding areas for the species, have fuelled the rapid spread of the locust population, which has reached both the hopper (nymph) and flying stages, complicating control efforts.
In response, the Ministry has deployed three ground teams equipped with Land Cruiser vehicles, mounted sprayers, and handheld mist blowers to conduct pesticide operations in the affected areas. "To supplement these efforts, the Ministry has mobilised additional vehicles from the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Programme for Communal Land Development. However, the scale of the outbreak demands broader support," Zaamwani said.
Source: TrendsNAfrica
