Botswana Paves the Way for Commercial Hemp Cultivation

The Botswana is preparing to launch the commercial hemp production, after cultivation tests confirmed that the crop could be grown in the country’s various climate zones, as part of an economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing its dependence on the diamond industry.

Speaking during a visit to the’National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), President Duma Boko confirmed that the trials had demonstrated hemp's ability to adapt to local growing conditions.

«We have made a commitment to Botswana to introduce hemp cultivation, and we are now nearing the full fulfillment of that promise.»

The pilot project was conducted as part of a collaboration between the NARDI, theUniversity of Botswana for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Botswana Investment and Trade Center and two licensed private companies. Although the government has not yet released detailed agronomic data—such as yields, tested varieties, or THC analyses—officials say the results are encouraging enough to begin commercialization.

A Strict Regulatory Framework for a New Hemp Industry

The transition from research to commercial production follows the adoption, earlier this year, of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the industrial hemp. Botswana has adopted one of the strictest licensing systems on the continent, regulating hemp under its cannabis law, a more general one, rather than creating a separate legal category.

Under these regulations, the industrial hemp must not contain more than 0.7% THC. Every stage of the supply chain, including cultivation, seed production, processing, transportation, research, imports, and exports, requires a license to be issued by the’National Cannabis Regulatory Authority.

Applicants must meet strict requirements regarding safety, business planning, financial capacity, and crop management. Licensed operators will also be subject to regular inspections and ongoing regulatory oversight.

This framework is designed to support industrial applications such as textiles, the building materials, food ingredients, and other value-added manufacturing sectors. Regulations do not permit the commercial production or sale of flowers, while the CBD and other cannabinoids remain prohibited except for medical use.

Economic Diversification Beyond Diamonds

The development of a hemp industry The national strategy is part of Botswana's broader strategy to reduce its dependence on diamond mining by investing in new agricultural and industrial sectors.

The Authorities view hemp as an opportunity to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and establish new manufacturing value chains that could better withstand climate-related challenges.

The Assistant Minister of Land and Agriculture, Motsamai Motsamai, said that the government intended to support businesses that comply with the country’s regulatory requirements, adding that large-scale cultivation could boost employment and encourage new economic activities.

Despite its strategic importance, agriculture currently accounts for less than 2% of Botswana’s GDP. Livestock production, particularly beef exports, dominates the sector, while agriculture continues to be hampered by recurring droughts, poor soil, and limited arable land.

Although nearly half of Botswana’s territory is classified as agricultural land, the vast majority is used for grazing. Only 0.5% of the country’s land is considered suitable for crop production, making Botswana heavily dependent on food imports.

In this context, Botswana officials believe that hemp could be a valuable asset for the agricultural sector by providing a high-value-added crop suited to a variety of climatic conditions.