Crucial to balance the interests of exporters and consumers

The Weekend View

Botswana's recent ban on South African fruit and vegetable imports, including citrus, has drawn criticism from the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz). Agbiz warns that the restrictions not only disrupt trade, affecting less than 0.5% of SA's citrus exports but also strain political and economic ties between the two nations. Botswana has announced a temporary ban on orange imports, effective from June 17 until August 31. According to the government of Botswana, this move is part of a larger strategy aimed at strengthening local agriculture and achieving food self-sufficiency. Additionally, Botswana has extended restrictions on various fresh produce imports, with some measures in place until 2025. for more on this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Ceo of Agbiz Theo Boshoff