Despite high-level diplomatic engagements and commitments to deepen economic cooperation, tensions between Botswana and South Africa over agricultural import restrictions remain far from settled.
it has since emerged that the issue resurfaced during the Sixth Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Gaborone on May 21, 2026, where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa led his country’s delegation and agricultural trade emerged as one of the most sensitive issues on the agenda.
South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen used the meeting to voice Pretoria’s growing frustration over Botswana’s handling of restrictions on South African agricultural exports, particularly vegetables, saying producers and exporters have faced border restrictions without prior formal communication.
The remarks signal that the dispute, which has periodically strained relations between the two countries, remains unresolved despite previous understandings reached during the 2022 BNC process.
‘We believe that trade matters affecting our two countries should always be addressed through constructive engagement, transparency, mutual respect and amicable bilateral solutions,’ Steenhuisen said.
The minister said South Africa remained concerned about reports that agricultural products were being blocked at the border without adequate notice, creating uncertainty for farmers, exporters and retailers operating across the regional market.
In an effort to contain future disputes, the commission endorsed a Communication Protocol and approved the establishment of a Bilateral Agricultural Trade Task Team by June 2026.
According to Steenhuisen, the new mechanisms are intended to improve communication between the two governments, strengthen institutional cooperation and resolve trade concerns before they escalate into larger diplomatic disputes.
‘Greater coordination and transparency will provide increased certainty to producers, exporters, retailers and agricultural stakeholders on both sides of the border while strengthening the long-term agricultural relationship between our countries,’ he said.
Botswana has in recent years pursued an import-substitution strategy aimed at increasing domestic food production and reducing dependence on foreign agricultural products. The policy has resulted in restrictions on imports of several vegetables and other produce traditionally sourced from South Africa.
While Botswana maintains that the measures are necessary to support local farmers and improve food security, South African producers have repeatedly argued that abrupt restrictions undermine regional trade commitments and disrupt established supply chains.
The latest comments from Pretoria suggest that the matter remains a source of irritation despite broader efforts by the two countries to deepen economic integration.
Beyond the trade dispute, the BNC also focused heavily on cooperation in combating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which both countries regard as a major threat to livestock production and agricultural exports.
Steenhuisen welcomed the endorsement of a comprehensive 2026-2028 Action Plan aimed at strengthening cross-border disease management and called for urgent implementation of coordinated vaccination campaigns and improved maintenance of border fences.
‘With FMD posing an ongoing regional threat to livestock production, rural livelihoods and agricultural trade, it is clear that no country can defeat this disease in isolation,’ he said.