South African Farmers are still struggling to reach out to Namibia as they are restricted to export their product.
They(Farmers) were also not allowed to export their products to Botswana last year before Botswana banish their restrictions late last year after election.
Chief economist at Agbiz; Wandile Sihlobo emphasized that they have been dealing/working with close country.
Sihlobo said “In the recent past, some trade friction in South Africa’s trade relations with the African continent has mainly been within the SACU region, a customs union that is a free-trade zone.
“From around 2021, Botswana and Namibia imposed bans on South African vegetable imports to support their domestic industries. These bans added uncertainty and weighed on business.”
Botswana recently reversed its restrictions on vegetable imports in December 2024 following the election of President Duma Boko, Namibia has yet to take similar action.
The Namibian government has maintained that the ban is essential to protect local farmers and ensure food security within its borders. The policy, however, has faced criticism for its impact on trade stability.
General manager of TLU SA, Bennie van Zyl weight in regarding the matter and shared that restriction from Namibia is huge blow for SA farmers.
van Zyl said “While [Namibia] reviews [the ban] on a monthly basis, it is not easy for farmers. When a farmer produces any commodity, having a stable market is crucial for profitability. You cannot play around and say one month you’re allowed to export to Namibia, but the next month you are not.
“This unpredictability makes it difficult for farmers to establish lasting relationships with market agents and consumers.”
Towards his conclusion van Zyl highlighted that it is very important for farmers to keep on supplying the consumers.
He said “I understand that Namibia does this to support their farmers. However, they should be more lenient in their approach.
“Farmers need stability in their market process, and this back-and-forth does not make sense. The market also needs consistency to ensure produce is available on shelves for consumers.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
