South Africa is fast-tracking its emergence as a global leader in hemp and cannabis exports, backed by favorable climate conditions, regulatory reforms, and strong private-sector engagement. The government’s National Cannabis Master Plan is steering the sector from informal cultivation to a formal, export-driven industry.
Key developments include:
• Over 1,400 cultivation permits issued by the Department of Agriculture.
• 120 export licenses granted for medicinal cannabis by SAHPRA.
• Proposed increase in the THC threshold for hemp from 0.2% to 2%, aligning with global standards.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s endorsement in his 2025 State of the Nation Address signals a strategic pivot toward industrialization and rural job creation. With support from initiatives like the Agro-Processing Support Scheme and trade access under AfCFTA, the sector is poised to become one of South Africa’s most labor-intensive export industries.
Original Source: CAJ News Africa
