Namibia and Botswana have stirred controversy in the agricultural sector by enforcing a long-standing ban on importing citrus and vegetables from South Africa—an action that critics claim contradicts key principles of regional trade agreements.
As a leading food supplier in Africa, South Africa has made substantial investments in agriculture and exports large quantities of vegetables, particularly to the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region, which includes Botswana and Namibia.
Indeed, South Africa has reaped significant benefits from the African market in its agricultural export efforts. In 2023, the country achieved record agricultural exports totaling US$13.2 billion, with around 40% of these exports directed to the African continent.
Botswana and Namibia, both SACU members promoting free trade alongside South Africa, have historically relied heavily on South African produce. However, in December 2021, they imposed a ban on South African vegetable imports, citing the need to boost local production and reduce dependency on South African goods.
The ban was later expanded to include citrus products and, although initially temporary, has been extended until 2025, causing significant concern among South African farmers.
