Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s industrial hemp sector is poised for significant growth following expressions of interest from leading players in the United States to partner with local farmers.
This landmark collaboration aims to leverage global expertise to unlock the country’s potential in the lucrative hemp industry.
Yesterday, Acting President Dr. Constantino Chiwengamet with US Hemp Plastic founder, Paul Benhaim and US National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) President, Patrick Agari in Harare.
The discussions centered on scaling up Zimbabwe’s industrial hemp production and creating value chains that benefit both small-scale and commercial farmers.
“The potential for industrial hemp in Zimbabwe is immense. We are here to share insights from our experience in the United States and globally on what to do and what not to do to help Zimbabweans add value to this versatile crop,” said Benhaim after the meeting.
Industrial hemp has a wide range of applications, including paper, fiber, fuel, plastics and medicine.
Benhaim highlighted the importance of intellectual property and technology in maximizing the crop’s value, emphasizing the need for swift action to establish partnerships and grow the sector.
The US hemp industry, worth US$1.63 billion in 2023, is projected to grow by 21.1% annually through 2030, according to Grand View Research. Zimbabwe’s fertile soils and favourable climate position it to become a significant player in this burgeoning global market.
Founder and CEO of the Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp Trust (ZIHT), Dr. Zorodzai Maroveke expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“The visit by the NIHC is a significant step toward addressing the knowledge gap in Zimbabwe’s hemp industry. Our focus is on creating a national commercialization plan and fostering partnerships to grow the sector,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s strategic plans for industrial hemp include developing a value chain for hemp-based paper, exploring hemp wood products, and constructing the country’s first hemp building. These initiatives align with the Government’s commitment to sustainability, economic development, and industrial innovation under the Second Republic.
Government has created an enabling environment for investment and innovation in the hemp industry, with a vision of transforming the sector into a catalyst for economic growth. By partnering with US experts, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to lead the global industrial hemp market while empowering its farmers and entrepreneurs.
With fertile lands, visionary leadership, and international collaboration, Zimbabwe is on the brink of a hemp revolution that could redefine its agricultural and industrial landscapes.