Botswana Lifts Ban On Fresh Produce From South Africa

Botswana has lifted its ban on fresh vegetable imports from South Africa after it struggled to meet local demand solely from domestic production.

The ban, imposed in 2022, was lifted in two phases the first one in December last year, and the second one at the start of April this year.

Confirming the latest move, Dipepeneneng Serage, a deputy director-general in South Africas department of agriculture, said on Wednesday that trade between the two countries was open and relations had improved since the election last year of Botswanas new president, Duma Boko.

The administration of Bokos predecessor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, had argued that the ban on South Africas agricultural produce was meant to support Botswanas farmers by giving them better access to the local market.