14 Aug 2025

The acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has expressed gratitude to MPs for their support of the Cannabis Bill, 2025, saying their backing reflects a deep understanding of Botswana’s unemployment challenges.

Responding to MPs debates during the Second Reading of the Bill, Dr Dikoloti highlighted the economic potential of cannabis cultivation, particularly industrial hemp, to transform the country’s fortunes.

“Botswana has plenty of land that could be utilised to manufacture and transform cannabis into the new diamond,” he noted.

The acting minister said the Bill opened the door for economic diversification, especially in underdeveloped regions of the country.

He emphasised that the cannabis industry could contribute significantly to Botswana’s Gross Domestic Product, with land becoming a key form of equity.

“Cannabis is a high-value crop with numerous linkages across industries, and it will create specialised jobs across various sectors,” he added.

During the debate, the majority of MPs supported the Bill, describing it as a progressive step toward economic transformation.

Most expressed that cannabis cultivation, strictly for medicinal, scientific, research, and industrial purposes could dramatically change the lives of Batswana.

Francistown West MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane, described the Bill as timely. 

“It shows how Botswana can become wealthy beyond diamonds,” he said, urging fellow MPs to unite in support of the legislation.

Kgatleng West MP, Dr Unity Dow outlined the strict regulatory framework that would govern the cannabis industry.

“This is not a free-for-all. Every step, from cultivation to production, storage and distribution, requires licensing,” Dr Dow explained.

She advocated for expanding cannabis exports to countries that legally allow additional uses, including recreational consumption, while ensuring that Botswana maintained control and compliance with international standards.

Dr Dow voiced strong support, saying the Bill was a milestone in Botswana’s policy shift, positioning the country to become a regional leader in medicinal and industrial cannabis production, while ensuring it remained tightly regulated and aligned with national development goals.

Lobatse MP, Mr Kamal Jacobs called the Bill a reflection of Botswana’s commitment to scientific progress and innovation.

He noted that strict regulation would guide the import and export of cannabis for approved uses, emphasising that the sector has potential for breakthroughs in medicine and eco-friendly industrial products.

“This is a well-regulated industry that could benefit patients with chronic pain, cancer and epilepsy where traditional medicine falls short. The opportunities for growth in health, science, and manufacturing are immense,” he said.

Gaborone Bonnington North MP, Ms Maipelo Mophuting called the Bill a call to action and the need to think beyond diamonds.

“This is about diversification, investment, job creation, and building a globally competitive medicinal and industrial cannabis sector,” she said.

Ms Mophuting stressed the importance of transparency and youth inclusion.

Gaborone North MP, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile and Kanye East MP, Mr Prince Mosanana echoed similar sentiments, with Mr Mosanana proposing Leshibitse as potential pilot location for cannabis cultivation projects.

However, not all MPs were convinced, with Selebi-Phikwe West MP, Mr Reuben Kaizer opposing the Bill, expressing concern that the benefits of the industry might not reach the average Motswana.

“As with diamonds, not all have benefitted,” he said, further pointing out that the cannabis industry might increase inequalities.

He asked how many ordinary Batswana would be able to participate in the value chain.

The Cannabis Bill, 2025, was passed to the Committee stage for further scrutiny and development of its regulatory framework. ENDS