Gaborone: The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the endorsement of a comprehensive 2026-2028 Action Plan between South Africa and Botswana, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The agreement formed part of discussions during the Sixth Session of the South Africa and Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the plan marks an important step towards coordinated regional efforts to combat transboundary animal diseases that threaten livestock production, rural livelihoods, and agricultural trade. Steenhuisen emphasized that with FMD posing an ongoing regional threat, no country can defeat this disease in isolation. He called for urgent implementation of coordinated cross-border interventions, including vaccination campaigns and border fence maintenance.
Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of strong and properly maintained border fences, stating they help protect the livestock industries, livelihoods, and agricultural economies of both nations. Collaboration on FMD prevention and management was identified as one of the High Impact Priority Projects of the BNC, with directives given to accelerate the implementation of the Plan of Action aimed at eradicating transboundary diseases and enhancing market access for agricultural products.
The BNC welcomed the agreement by the Ministers of Agriculture to establish a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) Plan, covering key border regions such as Lobatse-Mahikeng and Francistown-Musina. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, coordinated vaccination programs, and joint livestock farmer exchange and training programs are all vital components of safeguarding livestock industries and preventing future outbreaks.
According to the law enforcement agencies of both countries, stock theft is the number one crime between the two countries. The agreement to establish the cross-border Stock Theft Management Task Force by September 2026 aims to mitigate high levels of stock theft affecting farmers on both sides of the border. Improved traceability systems are deemed crucial in managing disease outbreaks and tackling stock theft, improving animal movement control, strengthening food safety, and facilitating regional agricultural trade.
The Minister commended the agreement by South Africa and Botswana to champion regional biosecurity cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), ahead of the upcoming SADC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Zimbabwe on 29 May 2026. The meeting will focus on developing a unified regional strategy for the control and eradication of FMD.
Steenhuisen reiterated that diseases do not recognize borders and emphasized the need for regional coordination. He pointed out that a more integrated regional biosecurity approach is essential, with the establishment of a regional antigen bank as the ultimate goal.
On the issue of import restrictions, the ongoing restrictions on certain South African agricultural exports into Botswana were discussed. Steenhuisen noted concerns about border restrictions on agricultural exports without prior formal communication, urging for trade matters to be addressed through constructive engagement and mutual respect. The commissions endorsed the establishment of a Bilateral Agricultural Trade Task Team by June 2026 to enhance market access and proactively resolve trade-related concerns.
Steenhuisen concluded that greater coordination and transparency will provide increased certainty to producers, exporters, retailers, and agricultural stakeholders on both sides of the border, strengthening the long-term agricultural relationship between the two countries.