Botswana’s New Cannabis Industry Should Embrace AI And Blockchain from the Get Go

If Botswana is serious about cannabis being a major forex generator it needs to embrace cutting edge technology from the get-go. The investment in AI irrigation systems and digital market access platforms may be expensive for a Third World country, but will pay off if done right.

CAB’s Mogobe: Botswana Must Learn From South Africa’s Cannabis Policy Mistakes

Botswana’s legal landscape is rapidly taking shape as an export-orientated industry favouring multinational investment rather than building a domestic industry. Despite this setback for local businesses, the Cannabis Association of Botswana’s Sekgele Mogobe (pictured here) says regulatory clarity is welcome and in contrast to South Africa where cannabis reform remains mired in confusion.

Swedish Multinational Secures Botswana Cannabis Licenses, Offers a Gateway into the EU’s Growing ‘Green Economy’

Hemp Innovations Botswana has been granted the first license to cultivate both medical cannabis and hemp in Botswana. HIB’s parent company, Swedish multinational Hemp Innovations Europe (HIE), is an established player in the EU’s transition to a ‘green economy’ and will provide Botswana immediate access to European markets.

Closing the Skills Gap: Cheeba Launches Africa’s First Cannabis and Hemp 101 Professional Certificate

Success in the cannabis industry depends on how well you understand the cannabis value chain. That’s the view of Cheeba Africa’s Trenton Birch, whose preparing for the first intake of students for Africa’s first mainstream cannabis qualification, the Cannabis & Hemp 101 Professional Certificate.

Multinationals Lining Up for Ghana’s Cannabis Licenses, But Locals Locked Out by Prohibitive Pricing

There’s been keen interest from US and Canadian companies in getting their hands on Ghana’s new cannabis licenses, but local growers are unhappy about the excessive fees which they say lock them out of the game.

Dirt Poor Malawi Torches 5 Tons of Cannabis, Prompting Debate on Whether it’s ‘Better to Earn Than Burn’

Malawi is promoting cannabis exports to reduce its reliance on tobacco. At the same time it is clamping down on the thriving local illegal market, and the recent torching of five tons of sativa has reignited the debate as to whether Malawi could have a different approach and allow domestic trade.

Morocco: Bad Weather Postpones Baldiya Planting Window, But Regulated Sector Gaining Momentum

Weather disturbances in northern Morocco have postponed the launch of “baldiya” cannabis planting, originally scheduled for late January. Despite this delay, the regulated sector is showing strong momentum with a massive increase in memberships.

Botswana’s Key Development Challenges Are Landrace and Local Ownership of Cannabis Value Chain

Botswana’s ‘been in the news headlines lately with the release of its inaugural license fees and the Last Mile’ Conference in Gaborone last week to chart a way forward in creating a legal medical cannabis industry. SACHIDA’s Cian McLelland was a keynote speaker at the conference at which the importance of landrace was highlighted.

Namibian Reform Setback as Court Rejects Constitutional Argument in Cannabis Case.

While the Namibian government contemplates easing the country’s prohibitive cannabis laws, a Windhoek High Court judge has added a twist to the tail. Deputy Judge President Hannelie Prinsloo has rejected an application asking her to declare the law criminalising possession as unconstitutional.

Zimbabwe Cannabis Exports Going Nowhere, Now the First License Holders Have Been Hit with a US$20 000 Renewal Fee

Bad news awaits the first wave of Zimbabwean cannabis cultivators who’s licenses come up for renewal as their five year validity comes to an end. The handful who are still in business will have to pay an unforeseen, once-off US20 000 renewal fee, a fresh setback for a sector yet to generate any sustainable exports.