The Eastern Cape Province has been at the forefront of advancing South Africa’s cannabis sector. In a landmark move, legacy cannabis growers were among the 30 beneficiaries to receive over R50 million during the first phase of a government-backed pilot project. Adding to this momentum, Standard Bank has recently financed a health and wellness company that incorporates cannabis into its skincare products—an encouraging sign of private sector investment.
This combined support from both the public and private sectors underscores the need for greater urgency in removing barriers to entry for cannabis farmers. With the right mix of skills, knowledge, and financial backing, we believe that small-scale farmers can play a pivotal role in addressing South Africa’s unemployment challenges. The cannabis industry offers a wide range of business opportunities, driven by increasing global demand, and it is essential that we empower local farmers to participate meaningfully in this growing market.