• Pilot projects test viability of regulated cannabis economy
• Authorities target export markets and industrial value chains
• Sector could generate jobs and new revenue streams beyond mining

The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) has stepped up efforts to develop Botswana’s hemp and medicinal cannabis industry, as pilot projects move closer to commercial-scale production.

BITC management, led by CEO Keletsositse Olebile, visited a hemp innovation pilot project hosted by the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute, in a move aimed at assessing project progress and strengthening engagement with early-stage investors.

The visit comes as Botswana accelerates the rollout of a regulated hemp and medicinal cannabis sector, supported by new legislative and compliance frameworks aligned with international production and export standards.

Two companies backed by BITC have already secured licenses and launched pilot projects in partnership with Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and NARDI, marking a transition from policy development to early-stage implementation.

Authorities are now preparing for scale-up. Land has been allocated in Dibete for large-scale cultivation, with site preparation ongoing. The project is expected to move into full production following the completion of pilot trials, positioning Botswana to enter the global hemp value chain.

Hemp production cycles average around three months, offering relatively fast turnover compared to traditional crops and supporting its positioning as a commercially viable agricultural commodity.

Export-driven sector with diversification potential

The development of the hemp and medicinal cannabis segment aligns with Botswana’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond diamonds and traditional sectors.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a key derivative of medicinal cannabis, is increasingly used in pharmaceuticals, food processing and wellness products, creating opportunities across the value chain, from cultivation and processing to manufacturing, logistics and export.

According to industry estimates, the global legal cannabis market is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030, driven by expanding medical applications and regulatory liberalization in multiple markets.

BITC indicated that investor interest in the sector is rising, with additional companies preparing to enter the market pending regulatory approvals. The agency is positioning itself as a facilitator across project development stages, from licensing to land access and operational rollout.

The emergence of pilot projects, combined with land allocation for industrial production, signals the formation of an investment pipeline in a sector that remains largely untapped in Southern Africa.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang