- April 14, 2026
Botswana is actively establishing a regulated industrial hemp and medical cannabis industry, with a key pilot cultivation and processing project spearheaded by Hemp Innovations Botswana in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).
Pilot Scope and Design
The pilot program is designed as a controlled, scalable cultivation model combining agricultural efficiency with pharmaceutical-grade quality standards. The initial phase includes:
- · Cultivation of industrial hemp for grains and biomass (food and raw materials)
- · Production of CBD-rich flowers for wellness and nutraceutical markets
- · Cultivation of medical cannabis under strict compliance protocols for export markets
- · Implementation of modern cultivation techniques in tunnel and greenhouse environments
- · Integration of traceability, security systems, and data-driven farming methods
- This phased approach allows for continuous optimization of yields, genetics, and operational processes while generating real-world data for regulatory reporting and future scale-up.
Our pilot program in Botswana marks a significant step toward establishing a scalable, compliant, and export-oriented hemp and medical cannabis industry aligned with global standards.
