Rolling with Elites: Can Locals Catch the Cannabis Wave?

A new sort of ark is starting to take shape today as Botswana ventures into uncharted economic waters. The legalization of cannabis for both industrial and medicinal purposes holds the same promise of survival, recovery and rebirth as Noah’s vessel. However, it might seem like this ark also chooses which people to board. The existence of several barriers to entry, including costly cultivation licenses, strict regulatory requirements, and technological barriers may threaten the average Motswana’s ability to participate. Local farmers and young people might be left waiting on the shore as international investors and policy elites board the ark.

The Ark: A Vessel of Survival and Renewal

In a world drowning in chaos, Noah built an ark for preservation. And when the floods subsided, life resumed, renewed by a divine promise. Today in our own era of economic uncertainty due to the decline in diamond export revenues, in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Duma Boko unveiled a bold strategy by introducing industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis as new pillars of Botswana’s ailing economy.

As the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government faces a mammoth task of creating 500,000 jobs by 2029, this touted billion-dollar revenue stream is aimed at diversifying the economy beyond diamonds, boosting job creation in agriculture and manufacturing, attracting investment in the green economy, and tapping into the global cannabis market.

Referred to as a “miracle crop”, hemp has a legendary range of uses, including anything from textiles and fashion, construction materials, health and personal care, agriculture and environment, food and beverages, paper and packaging, bioplastics and biofuels. The cannabis policy presented before Parliament by Minister Edwin Dikoloti is a strategic vessel for Botswana’s economic survival.

Dikoloti underscored Botswana’s favorable agronomic conditions for cannabis cultivation, noting its potential yields of three to four tons per hectare. However, he was quick to note that a strong legal framework, significant infrastructural investment and capacity building are all necessary to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

Although cannabis production is illegal under the existing legal framework, Dikoloti made it clear that government is willing to change the law and create policies that will protect public safety while also fostering industry innovation, job creation and economic diversification. Cannabis provides more than simply a crop in a nation trying to wean itself off its reliance on diamonds, it provides an economic lifeline.

The Pearly Gates: Who Gets In?

One major question that arises from this new venture is will the everyday Motswana be able to tap into this industry or is it something that is reserved for the elite. The gates of heaven are described in Revelation as pearly, symbolizing exclusivity and sanctity. In the formulation of the cannabis policy, the pearly gates are the licensing systems that have the potential of locking out local farmers, youth and the marginalized.

There is a lot of procedure to be followed in terms of licensing with several requirements, among many others, the need for highly secure infrastructure. Additionally, hemp has to be cultivated in a more controlled environment, tunnel building, humidity and temperature control.

In a radio interview with RB2 on the economic, legal and social impact of the cannabis policy, legal expert Charles McErick who specializes in the legalization of cannabis cultivation mentioned that since it’s a new thing on the market, there is need for capacity building initiatives. In this instance, a farmer will have to employ a scientist with the necessary expertise and they are trying to bring everyone from around the world who has a lot of experience in cultivating hemp to come and help in terms of training and skills transfer while aspiring to independently cultivate it from 2029 going forward.

Debating in Parliament on the legal use of cannabis in Botswana for industrial and medicinal purposes, Members of Parliament of the UDC echoed that the global market is ready to invest in the Botswana market once cultivation of cannabis is operational. However, the opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP) argued that foreign investment should not replace citizen empowerment. The MP for Selebi-Phikwe West, Ruben Kaizer of BCP, stated that Batswana are often excluded from the full breadth of major industries. He appealed to the ruling government to allow Batswana to be at the forefront by enforcing a 51 percent shareholding law in foreign companies that will be investing in the market.

The Dove and the Olive Leaf: Signs of a New Era

After the flood, Noah sends out a dove, which returns with an olive leaf. Progressive, balanced cannabis policy could be Botswana’s olive leaf, evidence of fertile ground ahead. Across the African continent, our resources are often grown, mined, and traded without benefiting the people.

Lesotho was the first African country in 2017 to legalize cannabis cultivation but handed licenses to foreign corporations while small farmers stood at the gate. Zimbabwe too turned legalization into an elite affair, charging fees far beyond what ordinary growers can afford.

Botswana now would appear to be flirting with the same trajectory. We are no strangers to watching wealth bloom without touching it. Our soil bears diamonds, but our pockets often hold dust. For decades, the diamond industry dominated by multinational corporations has promised transformation. Yet to this day, we are still renegotiating deals with De Beers, still deliberating how much of our own riches we are allowed to keep.

The ark saved life because it was inclusive. The gates of heaven are pearly but open to those who seek truth, healing and justice. Botswana could be standing at a crossroads. Whether its cannabis policy becomes a green ark of restoration or yet another gatekeeping mechanism will depend on who it lets in.

About The Author

Tshepang Kekonnwe is a second-year Bachelor of Arts student in Social Sciences, specializing in Public Administration and Economics. With a strong analytical foundation in governance, policy analysis, and economic structures, Tshepang is passionate about writing on political affairs and the intersection of politics with social issues. A keen researcher and creative storyteller, Tshepang strives to present complex topics in an engaging and accessible manner. Tshepang is eager to contribute insightful articles to shape public discourse.