Today, the Canada-Botswana City Partnerships hosted an important conference on Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp, featuring a keynote address by Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele. The conference was themed “Enhancing Local Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems: Unlocking the Potential of Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp.” Its primary goal was to gather ideas and promote knowledge-sharing about the significant role these sectors play in national development.

 

Professor Mosepele emphasized the necessity for Batswana to embrace innovative approaches to socio-economic growth. He articulated that this conference represents a pivotal moment for Botswana to take advantage of the benefits of the Green Economy, particularly by integrating medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp into agricultural production systems. He stressed that exploring alternative crops is crucial for enhancing resilience within Botswana's agricultural framework.

 

Quoting an African proverb, he stated, “Opportunity does not wake those who are asleep,” underscoring the importance of seizing emerging opportunities for maximum benefit. He referenced a 2023 report from the UK House of Commons Library, which noted that the UK is the largest global producer and exporter of medicinal cannabis, with a market valued at $239 million. In contrast, a report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indicated that China leads in industrial hemp production, with its market worth nearly $1 billion in 2022. These statistics highlight the significant economic potential that Botswana could harness from these industries.

 

Discussions at the conference focused on how medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp could revitalize Botswana’s economy by driving diversification, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainability. The potential for these sectors to position Botswana as a regional leader in agricultural innovation was a recurring theme.

 

Panel discussions included insights from experts from Zimbabwe and South Africa, who shared their experiences in developing sustainable cannabis and hemp industries. A key takeaway from these discussions was the recognition of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp as viable pathways for job creation in rural areas.

 

The Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Conference served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders interested in advancing these sectors within Botswana. As highlighted by Professor Mosepele, embracing these opportunities is not only vital for economic growth but also essential for fostering sustainable development in line with global trends. The event concluded with a call to action for all participants to collaborate in realizing the transformative potential of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp in Botswana's economy.