Imagine a unified Southern African cannabis market where regulatory frameworks are harmonized, and nations work collectively to position themselves as a formidable player in the global cannabis industry. This is the vision of Dr. Zorodzai Maroveke, a leading advocate for cannabis reform in Zimbabwe, who believes such collaboration could revolutionize Africa’s role in the global market.
A Call for Regional Integration
Southern Africa is rapidly emerging as a cannabis and hemp hub. Dr. Maroveke, head of the Zimbabwean Hemp Industrial Trust (ZHIT), argues that aligning policies across the region is the key to unlocking its full potential. ZHIT has played a pivotal role in advocating for the legal inclusion of cannabis in Zimbabwe’s economy, with Dr. Maroveke successfully influencing political stakeholders to support the industry’s growth.
Although Zimbabwe’s hemp sector is still in its infancy, there is optimism that it will generate significant export revenue over time, reducing the nation’s economic reliance on tobacco.
The Case for a Regional Cannabis Bloc
In an exclusive discussion with MEDCAN24, Dr. Maroveke, affectionately known as Dr. Zoey, emphasized the urgent need for harmonized cannabis regulations, not only in Southern Africa but across the entire continent.
“Africa has the potential to be a global leader in industrial cannabis, but fragmented regulations hinder progress. A harmonized approach would create a stable, investor-friendly market,” she explained.
Speaking ahead of the Inaugural Hemp Business Summit (IHBS) on April 5, 2025, in Gaborone, Botswana, Dr. Maroveke highlighted how inconsistent regulatory policies create barriers to investment, making it difficult for African nations to attract international stakeholders.
Regulatory Challenges and Economic Potential
Regulatory disparities among African nations are among the biggest hurdles. Countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, and South Africa have relatively advanced cannabis policies, whereas others, like Zambia and Eswatini, struggle with internal political issues despite having enabling legislation.
Meanwhile, Morocco leads the continent in cannabis exports, while Botswana, a late entrant, has the potential to emerge as a regional leader in industrial hemp exports.
Africa’s industrial hemp market is estimated to have a potential worth of $2.4 billion, excluding the cannabidiol (CBD) sector. Such growth could result in 100,000 new jobs in the industry’s initial phases, significantly benefiting the continent’s economy.
The Need for Policy Alignment
Industrial hemp presents the best opportunity for regional cannabis cooperation, yet there is no uniform agreement on THC limits. For example:
- South Africa currently allows a 0.02% THC limit, with plans to increase it to 2%.
- Zimbabwe permits 1% THC.
- Experts argue that an optimal threshold of 4-5% THC would better accommodate African landraces and maximize economic potential.
Despite the immense opportunities, African governments remain hesitant to embrace domestic medical cannabis markets due to lingering colonial-era policies and concerns over recreational cannabis use. South Africa is the only African country that permits private recreational cannabis consumption, yet its policy framework remains fragmented and inconsistent.
Overcoming Stigma and Shaping Perception
Stigma remains a significant roadblock in cannabis policy reform across Africa. According to Dr. Maroveke and Nana Kwaku Agyemang, head of the Hempire Association of Ghana (HAG), many policymakers and the general public conflate industrial hemp with medicinal cannabis, creating widespread misconceptions that slow industry growth.
“Public perception is shaped by historical, social, and legal influences, often overlooking the economic and medical benefits of hemp and cannabis,” Dr. Maroveke noted.
Botswana’s Hemp Conference: A Step Toward Regional Unity
The upcoming Botswana Hemp Business Summit represents a crucial moment for Southern Africa’s cannabis industry. This gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders aims to initiate discussions on regional cannabis cooperation, paving the way for the realization of Dr. Zoey’s vision.
As Africa stands at the crossroads of cannabis legalization and commercialization, industry leaders continue to push for unified regulatory frameworks to transform the continent into a competitive cannabis powerhouse on the global stage.