BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MANZINI- A presentation on Eswatini’s industrial hemp project was made before His Majesty King Mswati III on Saturday, with experts behind the initiative saying the emerging industry has the potential to transform livelihoods and create new economic opportunities for Emaswati.
The presentation was made by Johan Botha and Joe Mkhabela, agricultural officials and experts involved in driving industrial hemp adaptability trials in the country, during His Majesty’s tour of stalls at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Mkhabela said the project was aimed at changing perceptions around cannabis and helping Emaswati understand the distinction between cannabis used for controlled purposes and industrial hemp.
“We came here so that we can meet His Majesty King Mswati III and make a presentation to him,” Mkhabela said.
He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture had tasked them with conducting research and development aimed at improving public understanding of industrial hemp and its potential applications.
“This cannabis industrial hemp research will be a game changer for Emaswati as it will take them out of poverty,” he said.
According to Mkhabela, industrial hemp could support the development of a broad range of products, creating opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors of the economy.
He said potential applications included clothing, construction materials, fertiliser, food products, bioplastics and paper, among others.
“What Emaswati must understand is that there is a lot that can be done with industrial hemp,” Mkhabela said.
He stressed that the project was not simply about producing and exporting raw hemp, but about developing a complete value chain within Eswatini so that the country could derive greater economic benefit from the crop.
“We want to avoid taking raw material outside. We are all about the value chain,” he said.
Mkhabela said research into the adaptability of industrial hemp was currently underway, with the team planning to engage more stakeholders as the project progresses.
He revealed that a cannabis workshop was expected to be held next month, bringing together Emaswati and experts to discuss the sector and identify a way forward for the country.
The team also hopes to see Eswatini host a SADC and international cannabis summit next year, which Mkhabela said would provide an opportunity to bring international expertise into the country.
“We have requested from His Majesty and we hope our request will be considered,” he said.
Mkhabela acknowledged that developing the industry would require significant investment and technical expertise. He said the team had already begun engaging international experts and stakeholders in the field.
He said people from countries including France, the United States, Ireland and Canada had visited the EITF, providing an opportunity to gain insights from countries with experience in the sector.
The initiative comes as Eswatini seeks to expand agricultural and industrial opportunities, with industrial hemp being explored for its potential contribution to economic diversification and job creation.
Mkhabela also expressed hope that the Cannabis Bill would be enacted soon, saying a clear legal framework would be important in unlocking the potential benefits of the sector.
“We hope the Cannabis Bill will be fast enacted into law, so that Eswatini could see the benefits of cannabis,” he said.
The team thanked the Ministry of Agriculture for providing them with the opportunity to conduct the work, saying collaboration between government, local communities and international experts would be critical to developing a sustainable industrial hemp industry in Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
