Although Lesotho legalized cannabis exports in 2018, Africa has been a slow starter in joining the ranks of those countries pushing for reform and regulated markets. Although fewer than a quarter of the continent’s countries have partially legalized cannabis, primarily medical cannabis for export and industrial hemp, Africa has the potential to be a future powerhouse on the international cannabis stage. Stay in the loop with all the news, policy, legislative, regulatory and market developments with Cannabiz Africa, your reliable content guide to the African cannabis environment.
A dispute between Lesotho cannabis processor Banel (Pty) Ltd and the police over a half-ton consignment of confiscated Thai cannabis has been resolved by the High Court – the cannabis was legally imported by Banel and must be handed back.
While South Africa is still trying to make sense of its rich cannabis landrace heritage, Morocco has wasted no time in placing its Beldia landrace at the centre of cannabis policy development. Cannaflex Morocco says its Beldia medical cannabis products are now stocked in Swiss pharmacies.
The arrest in Nigeria of a 101 year-old great grandmother for dealing in cannabis has gone viral on social media. Esther Ogunmabo has been released on bail and is to receive ‘counselling’ while authorities ponder on an appropriate criminal sanction.
Lilongwe’s University of Agriculture and Natural Resources has begun investing in cannabis skills and training in partnership with Malawi’s leading cannabis producer, Invegrow. With the backing of the Central Regulatory Authority, students are starting to get ‘hands-on’ education in cannabis cultivation.
Cannabis is strictly outlawed in The Gambia but this has not deterred the growers on Jinack Island who operate under the ‘protection’ of an ancient curse. It appears police have been spooked by the curse, which promises misfortune for any authority figure interfering with the affairs of ‘Treasure Island’.
Botswana’s is to change its industrial development laws to ensure there is regulatory alignment in establishing a legal cannabis market. Amendments to the Industrial Development Act have been passed by Parliament to prevent cannabis from falling under overlapping procedures.
The Namibian legalization debate has dragged on longer than the sands of time, but something shifted during the course of this year. Our Namibian asks whether 2026 could still be the tipping point and unpacks the journey its taken to get to this point.
Publisher and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore (pictured here), has renewed his call for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis in Nigeria, arguing that the destruction of cannabis farms is a waste of economic opportunities amid widespread poverty.
Zimbabwe hemp farmer Mike Querl’s Thathokuhle Farm’s has been offered a major tax concession by finance minister Mthuli Ncube. The Minister toured the farm last week and was so impressed by Querl’s ‘outgrower’ business model that he says he’ll recognize the cannabis farm as its own tax-free zone.
Prominent legalization activist Ras David Chikomeni Chirwa and board member of the Malawi Cannabis Regulatory Authority, was bust with almost 20 kg of illicit cannabis at a Friday night roadblock by Jenda police. He is out on bail and is due to appear in court on possession charges at an unspecified date.
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