Lamola welcomes Botswana’s lifting of ban on SA vegetable imports

A worker looks at apples at Remhoogte farm in Ceres, South Africa on January 17, 2023.

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International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola has welcomed Botswana’s gradual lifting of its ban on vegetable imports from South Africa.

His statement comes after an interaction with his southern African counterpart Dr. Phenyo Butale.

Botswana imports approximately 15% of SA’s total vegetables. During the ban, SA’s vegetable exports to Botswana decreased by almost half to R272 million last year.

In a statement from the ministry, Lamola says he welcomes Botswana’s commitment to fostering closer ties and facilitating trade with South Africa.

The ministry adds that lifting the ban also paves the way for stronger collaboration between the countries in agricultural development and trade, as well as deepening cooperation in the regional value chain.

Minister Lamola welcomes Botswana’s decision to gradually lift the ban on SA vegetable imports, boosting trade and regional integration. This move strengthens agricultural ties ahead of the 2025 SA-Botswana Binational Commission. Read more:
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