The Hemp Industry in Ethiopia: Could Cannabis Sector Be Worth $10 Billion in This African Region?

A recent report released by New Frontier Data, titled The African Regional Hemp & Cannabis Report, 2019, takes a look at the potential of the cannabis market of Ethiopia. The report indicates that Ethiopia has a market potential of $9.8 billion, which means that it would be second to Nigeria’s $15.3 valued market, in Africa.

The report also addresses how the growth of hemp in Ethiopia has the potential to provide opportunities. It reads, in part,

“The continent’s growth presents opportunities for both medical cannabis and industrial hemp (a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial use). Hemp is a source of fiber and oil, with seed being grown in more than 30 nations today.”

The hemp industry does not only include supplements but also fabrics. Hemp fabrics may be cheaper to cultivate than cotton. According to the report,

“Locally sourced hemp fabrics may be a viable supplement to Ethiopia’s cotton textile and garment industries. Hemp cultivation requires about a quarter of the amount of water than that of producing cotton, and hemp can be planted much more densely, resulting in higher yields.”

Currently, though, it is illegal to cultivate cannabis in Ethiopia, and the Ministry of Health has taken a position. The Ministry said in a statement,

“The Ministry of Health’s position regarding the growing of cannabis (and hemp) for medicinal purposes in Ethiopia has neither been recognized nor sought after. And no regulatory approval was given. Requests for such investments have been and will continue to be denied.”