HIE founder and CEO Clas Dahlin (pictured here) was ecstatic when the license came through earlier in February 2026.
“Great historic news!” he posted on Linked-In. “Hemp Innovations in Botswana has officially acquired the first-ever license to cultivate both medical cannabis and industrial hemp in Botswana.
“This is more than a permit. It is the foundation of a new regulated industry — one built on compliance, science, sustainability, and international standards such as GACP and EU-GMP” he said.
Dahlin, a veteran at developing hemp collaboration platforms, has positioned the Swedish company at the centre of an international network of cultivators, processors and manufacturers all committed to sustainable practices.
His mission is to be an innovator of environmentally-friendly hemp solutions to accelerate Europe towards what he calls a “circular, bio-based economy. The company, with its head office in Stockholm and a secondary office in Norfolk in the UK, was quick off the mark in expressing interest in partnering with Botswana.
The Gaborone government, which sees cannabis primarily as an alternative forex source to diamonds, was receptive to HIE’s plans to invest locally and be responsible for offtakes.
An MoU was signed between the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and HIE on 12 September 2025, shortly after Parliament passed the enabling legislation. Party to the agreement was the Office of the President, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), and the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI).
Dahlin says the aim of the Botswana project is clear:
• Position Botswana as a trusted exporter to the EU and global markets
• Build local skills, research partnerships, farmer inclusion and job creation
• Develop high-value medical and industrial hemp supply chains
• Attract international capital into a responsible, transparent framework
Dahlin says HIB is committed to laying the foundation for the hemp industry in Botswana, pointing to its potential role in economic diversification.
“We are deeply grateful to our government stakeholders, research institutions, and strategic partners who believe in building this industry the right way — from day one” he said.
“The journey now begins. If you are an investor, offtaker, or strategic partner interested in being part of Africa’s next regulated growth story — let’s connect.”
Trade and Entrepreneurship Ministry Permanent Secretary Joel Ramaphoi, earlier described the partnership as “a testament of implementation of government pronouncement to allow for licit growing and processing of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis”.
Ramaphoi highlighted the wider impact of the decision, noting that “industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis have a multiplier effect on job creation, investment, and creation of industrial linkages”.
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