Authorities say the move is meant to encourage citizens to buy locally produced food. The decision, however, has raised questions, particularly as both countries are members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), a bloc created to promote free trade.

Economist Wandile Sihlobo says the union may now need a serious review.

“The two countries that have continued with this practice are Botswana and Namibia. Their key argument is that they want to increase domestic production, which is a fair goal, and we want countries to do that. But I think there is an appropriate way to achieve it without completely shutting off and disrupting value chains in the region, which disadvantages consumers and retailers,” he said.

–ChannelAfrica–