Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

Mmegi Editor | Monday May 25, 2026 06:00

“I believe that free but fair trade is

an absolute imperative”

– John E. James

For two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security and regional competitiveness. There is little doubt that Botswana’s future prosperity is closely linked to that of South Africa.

The two economies are intertwined through trade, logistics, finance and infrastructure. South Africa is Botswana’s largest trading partner, its principal gateway to international markets and a key source of investment. A stable and constructive relationship is therefore not a matter of diplomatic preference but economic necessity. However, as Botswana and South Africa seek to deepen cooperation through platforms such as the Bi-National Commission, there is an equally important principle that must not be lost in the pursuit of warmer relations that trade must be fair. For many years, Botswanas economic relationship with South Africa has been characterised by a significant imbalance. Botswana imports far more from South Africa than it exports.

South African products dominate shelves in supermarkets, hardware stores, pharmacies and retail outlets across the country. While consumers often benefit from competitive prices and wider choice, local producers frequently find themselves competing against larger, more established firms with greater economies of scale. This reality partly explains why successive Botswana governments have pursued policies aimed at promoting local production and reducing import dependence. The debate over horticulture imports illustrated this dilemma clearly. While restrictions on vegetable imports generated tensions with Pretoria and concerns among traders, they also emerged from a legitimate concern that local farmers were struggling to compete in a market flooded with imported produce.

The answer, however does not lie in choosing between protectionism and open trade. It lies in ensuring that trade is conducted on fair terms. Botswana should not seek to close its borders to South African goods, nor should it retreat into economic isolation. Such an approach would ultimately hurt consumers, raise costs and undermine regional integration. Equally, Botswana cannot be expected to embrace a trading relationship in which local industries are perpetually overwhelmed by imports without any meaningful opportunity to grow and compete A stronger relationship with South Africa should create opportunities for Botswana producers, not merely expand markets for South African exports. Regional value chains, joint ventures, skills transfers and industrial partnerships should form part of the conversation. If Botswana is to industrialise and diversify its economy, it must participate meaningfully in production, not simply consumption.