The Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade, Michael Humavindu, has denied allegations emanating from South Africa that Namibia has banned fresh produce imports from the southern neighbour.

An article by Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo claimed that Namibia and Botswana had imposed such a ban, causing frustration in South Africa among its agro farmers in particular.

The situation is particularly contentious given that Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana are all SACU members, a bloc intended to promote free trade and economic integration.

Humavindu in fact pointed out that Namibia and South Africa have a joint trade, industrial, and investment committee focusing on agricultural aspects to better understand Namibia's approach to developing its own horticultural market.

Namibia introduced a horticultural promotion scheme in 2005 to aid local fruit and vegetable producers, which includes provisions for the annual import of fresh produce, provided that local products are also accommodated on the shelves of retail shops in Namibia.

Currently, the scheme has succeeded in providing 47% of fruits and vegetables, which must be sourced from local producers, with the remaining 53% being imported.

Humavindu further noted that the article in Food for Mzanzi lacks credibility and that the economist or the media did not engage policymakers to understand ongoing discussions between Namibia and South Africa or understand where certain decisions, such as that of Botswana to impose a ban on fresh produce emanate from.