4 March 2026 – Johannesburg: A domestic industrial hemp market opportunity valued at R40 billion by 2040 is within South Africa’s reach – but only with the right industry development and policy support. That is the headline finding of a landmark industrialisation study published today by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), in partnership with the ...

South Africa is fast-tracking its emergence as a global leader in hemp and cannabis exports, backed by favorable climate conditions, regulatory reforms, and strong private-sector engagement. The government’s National Cannabis Master Plan is steering the sector from informal cultivation to a formal, export-driven industry. Key developments include: • Over 1,400 cultivation permits issued by the ...