What kinds of goods does Botswana import from neighboring countries?

Botswana sources nearly three-fourths of its imports from neighboring countries, primarily through its membership in the Southern African Customs Union, which facilitates the free exchange of goods.1

The primary categories of goods imported from these neighbors include:

• Machinery and transport equipment: A significant portion of these imports are manufactured or serviced by multinational companies based in South Africa.1
• Food products: Because domestic grain production—such as sorghum, millet, and corn—has historically fallen short of national consumption, foodstuffs from South Africa and Zimbabwe are major import commodities.2
• Consumer goods: These items are also frequently sourced from regional neighbors, particularly those produced by South African-based entities.1

While Botswana maintains these regional trade ties, it also imports high-technology equipment from the broader global market.1