Zimbabwe's advantageous climate conditions, coupled with appropriate regulations and robust marketing strategies, have positioned the country to become a major player in the global cannabis market. The country's optimal growing environment allows for the cultivation of high-quality medicinal and recreational cannabis that meets international standards, creating significant export opportunities and attracting investment. By leveraging these advantages, Zimbabwe could experience job creation, increased revenue, and overall economic development.

In 2018, Zimbabwe became one of the first African nations to legalize the production of medicinal cannabis. With the global cannabis industry projected to reach US$272 billion by 2028, Zimbabwe is aiming to capture at least US$1 billion of that market share. By 2022, approximately 60 companies had been licensed to cultivate medicinal cannabis, and the country began producing cannabidiol (CBD) complementary medicines.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has approved the production of CBD complementary medicines and invited drug manufacturers to apply for production licenses. Investors have responded overwhelmingly to this call, and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) is confident that local farmers can produce enough medicinal cannabis to support the industry. Zimbabwe is targeting to make cannabis one of its leading exports, with an expected annual revenue of US$1 billion.

Last Friday, a delegation consisting of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, and ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru toured Thathokuhle Farm located in Douglasdale on the outskirts of Bulawayo. The farm, which measures approximately 44 hectares, grows cannabis and other crops for the export market. At least 20 hectares are under cultivation of various crops, and the farm currently employs about 85 people, the majority of whom are women, with figures rising to 150 during harvest season.

To meet the criteria for "organically grown" cannabis, the farm cultivates the crop under greenhouse conditions, utilizing a highly mechanized drip system and a lighting system. After the tour, Deputy Minister Chikomo noted that the production levels demonstrate the entrepreneurial skills among Zimbabweans and that with proper support, cannabis could become a major foreign currency earner for the country.

Farm owner Mike Querl emphasized that Zimbabwe stands to reap huge dividends from cannabis production and should leverage its favorable climatic conditions to take the lead in the industry. He stated that export markets for their products include the United States of America, Portugal, and South Africa. Querl believes that Zimbabwe can produce far better cannabis than most other countries and can grow the crop year-round due to its ideal weather conditions. He estimates that if grown properly, farmers can yield up to a tonne per hectare.

Querl also highlighted that the size of local farms in Zimbabwe is one of the country's competitive advantages. In other countries, farms are often close to each other, which can lead to cannabis being affected by the over-spraying of chemicals, rendering the product unsellable. In contrast, Zimbabwe has ample space for cultivation. He noted that at full stage, one cannabis plant takes in a liter of water per hour, and with 7,000 plants under cultivation, a borehole yielding at least 7,000 liters is required.

ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru expressed satisfaction with the scale and level of production, diversification, and the tapping of non-traditional export markets at Thathokuhle Farm. He emphasized that the farm's markets are not traditional, as they are exploring opportunities in Australia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Majuru believes that this diversification of export markets is beneficial for the country. He also stated that in the future, they would ensure more value addition and aggressive participation in the global medicinal cannabis space.