Stats confirm food import substitution emergency

The pace of food imports comes as the country’s foreign reserves decline due to the prolonged diamond downturn. The Bank of Botswana has said retail, including food, is amongst the biggest consumers of foreign currency in the country, together with fuel.

Statistics Botswana figures made available last week indicate that in the first six months of the year, food and beverage imports averaged P1.16 billion per month, compared to an average of P1.12 billion over the corresponding period last year.