Will #PushaBW, Buy Botswana win the fight for shelf space?

Fighting to breathe: Local goods are struggling for shelf space
Fighting to breathe: Local goods are struggling for shelf space

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on supply chains has invigorated debate around import substitution and local industrialisation. Will campaigns such as #PushaBW and Buy Botswana overcome powerful, established imports and the resistance by some local consumers? Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

It’s one thing to get a product onto the shop shelf. It’s quite another for a buyer to sift through competing products and choose that particular one.

In some countries such as South Africa, the competition on the shop shelf ultimately benefits both the consumer and the government. The majority of products there are made in South Africa and though some companies lose out to others on the shelves, consumers have a wider choice, pricing benefits and government ultimately gets its ‘tax’ cut. Jobs are created and sustained, innovation is enhanced, and best practices are constantly sharpened.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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