Calls to fast-track talks for Bots, SA vegetable trade row deepen

The trade policy dispute between Botswana and South Africa over the extension of vegetable import restrictions by the former has increased concerns in the neighbouring country.

First introduced in 2021 and only meant to last for two years, the import restrictions were extended to 2025 late last year by Botswana.

Now the extension of the import restrictions have caught the attention of the main opposition party in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance (DA).  Setting the tone for fast-tracking the talks, the country’s main opposition has noted “deep concern regarding the recent announcement of Botswana’s extension of import restrictions on fresh produce from South Africa.”