Botswana Accelerates Hemp and Cannabis Development
SACHIDA helps to shape Botswana’s progress and urges urgent reform at home.
Gaborone, Botswana – September 8, 2025 — Botswana is emerging as a leader in the hemp and cannabis sector after announcing decisive policies and regulatory timelines that could position it at the forefront of Southern Africa’s green economy. The Botswana Hemp Impact Conference, held in Gaborone on 3–4 September, showcased the country’s bold vision — a vision strongly supported by the expertise of the South African Cannabis and Hemp Industry Development Association (SACHIDA).
While Botswana advances, South Africa’s own industry remains constrained by regulatory delays, risking its competitiveness in a fast-moving regional market.
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Botswana’s Bold Commitments
At the conference, the Minister of Housing unveiled a programme to build 100,000 homes, many incorporating hemp-based construction materials, signaling a serious commitment to integrating hemp into national development.
In another milestone, the National Agricultural Research Development Institute (NARDI) confirmed that hemp regulations would be finalised within six months — a timeline far ahead of South Africa’s stalled progress.
“Botswana is setting out a clear industrial vision,” said Katlego Kgopotse, Chairman of SACHIDA. “They see hemp as a driver of jobs, sustainability, and innovation. South Africa should be inspired — and concerned — by the speed of their commitment.”
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SACHIDA’s Influence
SACHIDA’s delegation, led by Kgopotse, Vice Chair Cian McClelland, and Executive Member Dinake Motona, played a central role in the conference:
- Exhibitions: Most product showcases featured hemp-derived goods developed by SACHIDA members.
- Panels: SACHIDA leaders shared insights on seed sovereignty, value addition, and market development.
- Government Engagement: Bilateral meetings were held with Botswana’s Ministers of Agriculture and Housing, as well as NARDI and other institutions.
“Botswana is open, decisive, and eager to collaborate,” said McClelland. “This is the kind of leadership South Africa urgently needs if it wants to remain competitive.”
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A Regional Shift
The conference signalled wider regional opportunities. With policy clarity, Botswana is poised to become a trade gateway into Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya. South African companies are already negotiating export deals into Botswana, which could soon serve as a springboard into larger markets.
Follow-up delegations from Botswana — including NARDI and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources — will soon visit South Africa to deepen cooperation.
“This is not just Botswana’s story,” Kgopotse added. “It is the region’s story. But South Africa is in danger of being left behind.”
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South Africa’s Urgent Challenge
Despite abundant natural resources and established growers, South Africa’s hemp and cannabis industry remains constrained by licensing barriers and policy paralysis. The risk, stakeholders warn, is that the country forfeits leadership to more agile neighbours.
“Potential is meaningless without action,” said McClelland. “If South Africa does not urgently unlock its policies, we will lose investment, jobs, and influence — not just to Botswana, but to the entire SADC region.”
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Call to Action
SACHIDA is urging government and industry to act decisively by:
- Finalising commercial hemp and cannabis regulations.
- Protecting African landrace genetics.
- Prioritising local value addition over raw exports.
- Building strong partnerships across the value chain.
“The window of opportunity is open, but it is closing fast,” warned Kgopotse. “South Africa must move now, or accept second place.”