Speaking during the 6th Session of the South Africa–Botswana Bi-National Commission in Gaborone on 21 May, Ramaphosa said South Africa wants to be “a partner as Botswana grows its own agriculture sector and consolidates its food security”.
The discussions come amid increasing frustration within the South African agriculture sector over Botswana’s recurring bans on imports of certain fresh produce, which industry leaders argue undermine regional trade integration within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
“We need to address the challenges which led to the imposition of import restrictions on agricultural products from South Africa,” Ramaphosa said, adding that ministers of agriculture and trade from both countries have been tasked with developing proposals to resolve the matter by December 2026.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, Botswana remains a strategically important market for South African agriculture, despite the trade disputes.
“In 2025 alone, [South Africa] exported just over R13,84 billion in agricultural products to Botswana. That was about 6% of the country’s [total] agricultural exports [of R268,8 billion],” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
The country’s major exports to Botswana include maize, rice, sunflower oil, sugar, fruit juices, beer, milk, and oilcake. However, exports of fruit and vegetables, once key categories, have declined sharply due to repeated import restrictions implemented since about 2021.
Sihlobo noted Botswana’s desire to strengthen domestic food production and reduce dependence on imports, but argued that the approach should be more collaborative.
“Botswana cannot just sit back and not develop its agricultural industry; I think it should. But that can be done better with collaboration in the region.”
He added that inconsistent trade restrictions and limited communication have created uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses on both sides of the border.
“The frequent bans on exports, and at times without effective communication, are a bit of a challenge, especially now that we are all part of SACU.”
He also warned that the restrictions had implications beyond farmers: “At the end of the day, just as much as they inconvenience South African farmers, they also present some difficulties for consumers in Botswana when food prices are rising.”
Ramaphosa’s remarks suggested government is pursuing a more diplomatic and partnership-driven approach to resolving the dispute. He highlighted opportunities for South African agribusinesses to invest in Botswana and assist in strengthening the country’s food security ambitions.
Industry leaders have argued that regional collaboration could benefit both countries through technology sharing, skills development, and investment in agricultural infrastructure.
Sihlobo pointed to initiatives such as the work of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, which already supports growers across the region with production technology and expertise.
Beyond the immediate agricultural concerns, he argued that the tensions highlight the need for broader SACU reform.
“South Africa’s agriculture [sector] is aiming to continue to expand exports. For us to succeed in export diversification, there’s a certain conversation that we should actually be having about the review of SACU,” Sihlobo said.
He argued that South Africa needs greater flexibility to negotiate bilateral trade agreements while maintaining low regional tariffs and cooperation.
