Hemp Innovations Pilot Program – Botswana





Hemp Innovations Pilot Program – Botswana

Hemp Innovations is proud to lead one of the most forward-looking agricultural and bio-industrial initiatives in Southern Africa. 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.

Launched under the newly enacted Cannabis Act (2025) and in collaboration with key national stakeholders, the pilot represents the first operational phase of a long-term vision: to position Botswana as a regional hub for sustainable hemp production, high-quality CBD, and EU-GMP compliant medical cannabis.

A First-Mover Advantage

As one of the first licensed operators in the country, Hemp Innovations Botswana holds a unique first-mover position. This allows us to actively participate in shaping industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and best practices together with authorities such as the National Cannabis Control Authority (NCCA), while ensuring full compliance with international guidelines including GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices).

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.

Strategic Partnership

The program is developed in close collaboration with leading institutions, including:

·     Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN)

·     National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI)

·     Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)

·     Government stakeholders under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP)

These partnerships ensure access to land, research capabilities, and policy alignment, thereby creating a robust foundation for long-term success.

Export-Driven Model

Hemp Innovations’ pilot project is built with a clear international market focus. Through established off-take agreements and strategic relationships in Europe and beyond, the program is designed to meet stringent EU requirements, including EU-GMP standards for medical cannabis processing.

 

This ensures that Botswana’s production can be directly integrated into global supply chains, creating immediate commercial viability and long-term export revenue streams from secured off-takers.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is central to our approach. Hemp is one of the most environmentally efficient crops, requiring minimal inputs while improving soil health and capturing significant amounts of CO₂. By leveraging a full-plant utilization strategy, we aim to maximize value across food, health, and industrial applications.

 

Pathway to Scale

The pilot program serves as the foundation for large-scale expansion. Following successful validation, Hemp Innovations plans to:

·     Expand cultivation acreage significantly

·     Establish local processing and EU-GMP facilities

·     Develop downstream industries including hemp-based foods, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals

·     Create local jobs, skills development, and economic diversification within Botswana