Julius Kiprop
- President Duma Boko plans to grow medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp to boost Botswana’s economy.
- Declining diamond revenues push the country to explore new industries.
- Plans also include investing in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology.
Botswana’s newly elected president, Duma Boko, has announced plans to cultivate medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp as part of his strategy to revitalize the economy. The move aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on diamond revenues, which have dropped by over 60% in recent years.
Speaking about the initiative, President Boko highlighted the potential of cannabis and hemp industries to significantly boost Botswana’s GDP.
“The decline in diamond revenues by over 60 percent in recent years is a clear signal that we can no longer afford to depend on a single commodity,” said President Boko. He emphasized that cannabis and hemp products could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional revenue streams.
In addition to cannabis, the president revealed plans to focus on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology as part of a broader economic diversification strategy. These sectors are expected to attract investors and create new growth opportunities.
President Boko’s administration follows his decisive electoral victory three weeks ago, which ended Mokgweetsi Masisi’s leadership after just one term. Masisi faced criticism for his inability to address Botswana’s economic challenges, particularly the over-reliance on diamonds.
Focus on innovation and diversification, President Duma Boko is steering Botswana toward a future less dependent on diamonds. The introduction of cannabis cultivation alongside investments in other key sectors marks a bold step to rebuild the nation’s economy and attract global investors.
