Botswana Plans to Legalize Cannabis for Medical Use and Exports as It Reduces Reliance on Diamonds
Botswana is planning towards legalizing cannabis for medical purposes as the country explores new economic opportunities beyond its reliance on diamonds.
President Duma Boko has said his government is ready and prepared to legalize cannabis for medical use, manufacturing, and exports.
Botswana’s National Agricultural Research and Development Institute has held successful trials that shown that cannabis crops are suited to its soil.
The initiative is expected to create jobs, attract investment, strengthen agriculture, and open new opportunities for local businesses in emerging global markets.
As of 2026, about 11 African countries that have legalized cannabis in some form for medical use.
Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius and DR Congo – are the only African countries where cannabis is legal for medical use.
The global legal cannabis market is projected to reach more than $200 billion.