Botswana is positioning industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis as part of its economic diversification strategy after a government-backed pilot project showed early signs of success, according to the country’s agriculture minister.
Edwin Dikoloti, Botswana’s minister of lands and agriculture, said the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute’s pilot hemp project is laying the groundwork for a commercially viable hemp industry capable of generating exports, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Speaking during a visit to the project site, Dikoloti said the initiative represents “a major step” toward building a regulated industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis sector in Botswana.
The pilot project, launched in April with 1,000 hemp seeds, has reached full flowering after flowering began in May, according to the ministry. Harvesting is expected to begin in mid-July, with research findings expected to shape future production models and regulatory frameworks for the sector.
Dikoloti said the government intends to focus on local processing and value addition rather than exporting raw hemp materials.
Industrial hemp has applications across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, construction materials, animal feed and manufacturing, sectors Botswana sees as potential drivers of industrial growth beyond mining.
The southern African nation has been seeking to reduce its reliance on diamond revenues by expanding agriculture, manufacturing and knowledge-based industries as global diamond demand remains volatile.
The minister also highlighted the creation of the National Cannabis Control Authority, which will oversee regulation and compliance within the emerging industry. The authority is led by Chief Executive Officer Thapelo Leareng.
According to Dikoloti, the progress of the pilot project demonstrates Botswana’s readiness to become a regional player in industrial hemp production while supporting broader goals around innovation, sustainable agriculture and export-led growth.
Several African countries, including South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have in recent years moved to legalize or regulate industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis production in an effort to tap into growing global demand for cannabis-derived products.
