As Botswana has resolved to transform its agricultural landscape by diversifying production, integrating climate-smart practices, and unlocking new value chains, hemp stands out as one of the most promising additions to this vision.
This was said by the Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti at the Hemp Impact Conference held in Gaborone this week under the theme: Discover the Future of Hemp – Hemp for National Transformation.
With the recent amendment of laws to permit its cultivation, the minister noted that hemp has shifted from being a prohibited plant to a potential driver of sustainable growth, innovation, and job creation.
As the hemp industry is valued in the billions globally, and continues to expand with countries turning to sustainable alternatives, for Botswana, Dikoloti said this presents a unique opportunity.
The minister indicated that the production of hemp is not about replacing indigenous crops or abandoning food security mandate but about complementing local agricultural portfolio with a high-value crop that stimulates industrialization, attracts investment, and creates jobs for youth and women.
“The opportunities of hemp are immense. Imagine Botswana exporting hemp-based textiles proudly stamped “Made in Botswana.” Imagine hemp oil, nutraceuticals, and supplements produced locally to improve public health.”
“Imagine sustainable hempcrete revolutionizing our construction sector, or our livestock benefiting from hemp-based fodder. These are not distant dreams; they are possibilities within reach if we invest strategically and “farm right.”
To realize this potential of an industry that is new for Botswana, the minister said there is need to refine licensing frameworks, expand research and extension services, invest in processing facilities, and develop fair markets that ensure broad participation by Batswana.
“To our farmers, here is yet another opportunity that this government presents to you to unlock the true value of the sector and continue feeding our nation. Let us hold on to this renewed hope and, together, revive the sector while growing Botswana’s economy.”
Dikoloti assured that government is committed to ensuring that this growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with national development priorities.
According to him, the production of hemp speaks directly to Botswana’s goals of agricultural diversification, industrialization, and skills development. It positions the country’s universities and institutions like IETD to train the next generation of innovators, technicians, entrepreneurs and farmers.
Meanwhile, the minister noted that the real wealth lies not in exporting raw hemp, but in building industries that produce finished hemp-based products for local, regional, and international markets.
“To this end, we are hard at work establishing robust regulatory framework. This includes clear policies, licensing systems, and monitoring protocols to ensure safe cultivation, processing, and trade.”
In closing, Dikoloti assured that security measures will guard against misuse, while standards for health, safety, and environmental protection will guide production. “We will learn from global experiences to build a transparent, accountable, and competitive industry.”
