This initiative comes after President Duma Boko announced plans to legalise and regulate the hemp industry. The announcement has sparked excitement amongst stakeholders eager to tap into the vast potential of hemp production and manufacturing.
President Boko emphasised the versatile applications of hemp in construction and manufacturing, highlighting materials like hempcrete, hemp bricks, and hemp fibre panels. These materials are not only sustainable but also offer a cost-effective alternative for building and industrial purposes. The legalisation of hemp promises to open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in the country.
Amongst the key players eager to set up operations in Botswana is South African hemp farmer Bennie De Beer. With seven years of experience in the industry, De Beer has been exporting hemp products to Portugal and producing a wide range of goods, including biodegradable straws, clothing, medicines, and hair products.
De Beer, a self-taught hemp farmer, started his journey with no prior background, obtaining his first licence for research purposes. His breakthrough came when his team successfully developed hemp-based medicine in South Africa. Previously, cannabis-related approvals took months, but the introduction of streamlined regulations has reduced this timeframe to mere hours. Currently, De Beer holds a licence to produce medicinal cannabis products, including tablets, topical creams, biodegradable materials, and specific teas.
With plans to expand into Botswana, De Beer intends to employ 100 people initially, with a vision to grow this number significantly to 250,000 as operations scale.
“Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry which has the potential to produce over 25 hemp-based products which include clothes, medicine, biodegradable materials and also innovative substitutes for traditional paper and packaging. I will be open to sensitising the local community about the whole process and have plans to also set up plants in the country,” he said.
De Beer’s success in South Africa demonstrates the vast potential of the hemp industry. His operation currently produces 100 kilogrammes of medicinal cannabis flowers monthly, alongside tablets and other high-demand products. His expertise could play a crucial role in establishing Botswana as a regional hub for hemp production.
Despite its potential, hemp often faces misconceptions, with many equating it to marijuana, locally known as dagga. However, hemp is distinct, containing minimal psychoactive compounds and offering significant industrial and medical value. Legalising and regulating hemp will not only dispel these misconceptions but also position Botswana as a leader in sustainable innovation.
