Piet de Jager, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, said the bans were a concerning trend.
“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,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
“It is not a fair way of doing things, and it shouldn’t be happening within the Southern African Customs Union [SACU].”
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, added that the specific time frames and vegetable groups that may be affected or exempted have not yet been determined.
“Engagement with the relevant vegetable industry stakeholders and Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture will be necessary,” Meyer said.
SACU members should work together
While there has been no official announcement of the lifting of the ban, Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo told Farmer’s Weekly that the fruit industry has been moving produce to Botswana since the beginning of March.
“By easing restrictions, the ban has effectively been lifted. 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.”
He added that SACU members should not impose bans or restrictions on trade with each other.
“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,” Sihlobo said.
Rather than implementing bans, Botswana could lean on South Africa’s expertise and technology to improve its own domestic productivity.
“We look forward to working with our neighbours to help them boost their vegetable production over time, thereby reducing their reliance on South Africa.
“We have already done this with our colleagues in the Citrus Growers’ Association [of Southern Africa], where we shared technology with growers across Southern Africa to improve regional production. That is something we are willing to continue, but it needs to be done in a coordinated way,” Sihlobo added.
Export bans weigh on farm activity
Meyer said Botswana’s decision to ease restrictions restores an important regional market. According to research by South African consultancy Quantec, exports across agriculture, forestry, and fisheries reached R3,1 billion in 2025, of which vegetable exports accounted for R368 million.
The top five fresh produce exports in 2025 were vegetables (uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling, or frozen) at R140,4 million (38%); other vegetables (excluding potatoes, tomatoes, and alliums) at R63,9 million (17%); potatoes at R40 million (11%); onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and other alliums at R36,2 million (10%); and dried legumes at R29 million (8%) in 2025, according to the International Trade Centre’s 2026 Trade Map.
Meyer said the Western Cape, which is a major supplier of high-quality fresh produce to the region, saw a 12% decline in exports from R379,3 million in 2024 to R333,3 million in 2025.
“Continuous export bans result in farmers downscaling production and performing limited post-harvest-related job activities, with the possibility of farm labour retrenchments or downsizing.
“We remain committed to supporting Botswana and other [Southern African Development Community] partners through innovation, collaborative efforts, and effective bilateral trade agreements that strengthen sustainable trade, food security, and economic growth,” he added.
Sihlobo noted that Botswana usually accounts for around 15% of South Africa’s total vegetable exports.
“Mozambique accounts for about 20%, and Namibia about 9%. Namibia currently has a ban on some South African fresh produce. We would be grateful if Namibia would also consider easing its import restrictions,” he added..
De Jager concluded that the frequent bans raised a broader question about whether SACU is more of a hindrance than a help.
“It really is a fly in the ointment when we are negotiating trade agreements, as it always comes down to SACU,” he said.
