Industrial Hemp Positioned as Botswana’s Next Growth Frontier

Industrial Hemp Positioned as Botswana’s Next Growth Frontier. Botswana is taking decisive steps to explore industrial hemp as part of efforts to diversify its agricultural base and unlock new value chains. Speaking at the inaugural Botswana Hemp Impact Conference 2025, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, said hemp holds the potential to stimulate industrialisation, attract investment, and create jobs across multiple sectors.

The minister noted that the recent passing of the Cannabis Bill has shifted industrial hemp from a prohibited plant to a legal, high-value crop. This legislative milestone opens doors for cultivation, processing, and product development in line with Botswana’s economic diversification goals.

“Hemp can complement agriculture by enabling Botswana to produce oils, textiles, pharmaceuticals, supplements, and even sustainable construction materials,” Dr. Dikoloti said. He added that hemp-based livestock feed and eco-friendly products could further expand opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

However, he cautioned that success requires building strong regulatory frameworks, investing in research, and expanding processing capacity. “The real wealth lies not in exporting raw hemp, but in creating industries that add value and supply finished products to local, regional, and global markets,” he said.

The minister stressed that hemp is not a distraction from food security but a tool to enhance it by diversifying income sources for farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

The conference, themed “Discover the Future of Hemp – Unlocking Africa’s Industrial Potential,” brought together policymakers, researchers, academics, and business leaders. Organised by the Institute of Energy and Technology Development (IETD), the event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and investment in this emerging sector.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs, industrial hemp presents an untapped opportunity to innovate, build new businesses, and contribute to the country’s vision of inclusive, sustainable growth.