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.
Namibian police say the bust was one of the largest ever in Namibia’s history and believe the large-scale illicit cannabis network was one of the main suppliers to the Windhoek black market.
South Africa and Lesotho have taken the first concrete steps to establishing a cannabis ‘SADEC’ with trade representatives agreeing to establish a common regulatory framework. The two countries intend to standardize their cannabis guidelines and seek ways to leverage this trade agreement to take advantage of international markets.
The Namibian government has indicated a willingness to revisit the country’s prohibitionist cannabis laws following months of stakeholder pressure. The four manor Namibian advocacy groups have submitted their proposals and other interested parties, who haven’t yet done so, have until close of business, 13 June 2025, to have their say,
The campaign for cannabis legalization in Namibia has ramped up significantly this year, while at the same time police harassment of cannabis users has turned into a human rights issue. This week police arrested six people were arrested in Windhoek for possession, while the Government received submissions on cannabis law reform.
Ghana is to open up its industrial cannabis licensing process soon. An estimated 600 farmers from across the West African country are hoping to ‘get in on the ground’, and are anxiously waiting to find out how much licenses will cost and other T’s and C’s.
Former Namibian Justice Minister and Ongandjera Traditional Authority spokesperson, Sakeus Shangula (pictured here), says cannabis legalization runs against the grain of the country’s commitment to prevent substance abuse. He says there is increased alcohol and tobacco consumption amongst Namibia’s youth and any form of legalization will make matters worse.
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