Botswana’s inaugural ‘hemp business summit’ takes place on 5 April 2025, following the new government’s decision last year to legalize medical and industrial cannabis for export. A key party in attendance is Colorado-based hemp importer and processor, Nutriva, which is looking for new business in southern Africa.

CEO and co-founder of the Inaugural Hemp Business Summit (IHBS), Oratile Masala says he the organiztion’s goal is “to gather diverse stakeholders who were interested in the hemp industry and to discuss necessary policy reforms for its sustainable development”.

The Daily News reported on 23 January 2025 that the summit, titled Unlocking the Hemp Industry in Botswana”. will be held at the Ba Isago Convention Centre in Gaborone. It will feature players from the US and South Africa as well as local banks, farmers' associations and Botswana government policy-makers. About 300 delegates

are expected.

Nutiva is understood to be a sponsor of the conference. The US-based  company that processes and imports hemp products, has a product range that includes hemp protein powder, shelled hemp seeds, and hemp seed oil, their participation is expected to facilitate discussions with local farmers and aspiring industry entrants.

Masala said successful farmers from other countries were expected to share their experiences and guide local hemp growers through the comprehensive process of establishing themselves in the industry.

He noted that conversations with the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) were underway regarding establishment of a hemp incubator to support SMEs. This initiative would focus on training and imparting best practices in hemp farming within the Botswana context, he said.

Masala said that local banks and insurance companies were invited to create financial products targeted at the hemp sector, stating that some banks were reportedly ahead of the curve, and the summit would provide a platform for them to present these products He said that despite the growing global demand for hemp products, Botswana has lagged behind its southern African neighbours in capitalising on the opportunities within this sector.

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