agriculture trade

A New Dawn for Southern African Agriculture: Botswana Lifts Vegetable Import Ban

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Botswana’s decision to lift its vegetable import ban is a breath of fresh air for Southern Africa’s farmers and trade. Starting in December 2024, this change opens doors for South African farmers, allowing them to sell 16 types of vegetables in new markets. With this exciting news, smallscale farmers can thrive, reaching more customers and improving their lives. This shift not only boosts local economies but also strengthens the bonds of cooperation and support among African nations, promising a brighter future for all involved.

rail industry southern africa

Shaping the Future of Railways in Southern Africa: Insights from the 13th SARA Rail International Conference and Exhibition

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The 13th SARA Rail International Conference and Exhibition, held in South Africa in August 2024, was a vital platform for discussions on the future of rail transport in Southern Africa. The rail sector in the region faces many challenges, including aging infrastructure, insufficient funding, safety concerns, security issues, and capacity constraints. The conference emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in railways and highlighted the need for investment in skills development. South Africa is making decisive strides towards building a modern and efficient rail sector, and the decisions made at the conference will undoubtedly influence the future of rail transport in the region.

air botswana southern africa

Air Botswana: Elevating Southern Africa’s Connectivity

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Air Botswana, the national airline of Botswana, is expanding its route network to improve connectivity with neighboring nations, particularly South Africa. The new routes are expected to boost sales, increase demand, and make air travel more affordable in the targeted markets. Air Botswana’s expansion plan includes introducing new routes and reinstating some temporarily halted due to the COVID19 pandemic. The airline has also upgraded its fleet to support its ambitious plans and achieve financial stability and operational efficiency.

south african egg crisis avian flu outbreak Cape Town

Spar Investigates Egg Imports from Southern African Countries Amid South African Avian Flu Crisis

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South Africa is facing a severe egg shortage due to the largest avian flu outbreak in the country’s history, leading to high egg prices and rationing measures by retailers. Spar is actively working with private label suppliers and partners to explore the possibility of importing eggs from Southern African countries to ensure a consistent egg supply and minimize the impact of the shortage. The ongoing crisis has also led to significant harm to the poultry industry, with retailers and the government taking action to address the issue and provide availability and affordability to consumers.