PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2, 2020
President Paul Kagame chaired a Cabinet meeting in which he approved regulatory guidelines on cultivation, processing and export of “high-value therapeutic crops” - While the country approved cannabis cultivation, use of the same for medicinal or recreational purposes is still prohibited - Rwanda aims at boosting its export revenue by tapping into the fast growing global cannabis market
According to The New Times Rwanda, Paul Kagame's government aims at boosting its export revenue by tapping into the fast growing global cannabis market which is currently valued at $345 billion.
Speaking to The New Times, Aloysie Manishimwe, a researcher in medicinal plants, welcomed the government’s decision to enter the multi-billion dollar industry.
“I don’t think it’s a bad move since it comes to serve healthcare needs. Already there are many countries that have used cannabis for medicinal purposes,” she said.Manishimwe, however, reminded authorities not to throw caution to the wind.
“Already drug abuse, specifically cannabis is rampant among young people in Rwanda. The task will be upon the government to have strong law enforcement,” she added.
Rwanda joins the likes of other African countries including South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho and Zambia to legalize the production and export of cannabis for medical purposes.
“The government of Rwanda expects the sector to generate significant export revenues and employment opportunities in high-value agriculture and agro-processing,” RDB said.
According to sources from the country, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) had invited several companies to bid for the development of medical cannabis in the country in 2019 with a focus on the export market only. It should be noted production or sale of cannabis is prohibited in Rwanda and doctors are banned from prescribing it as medicine. Anyone found guilty of the aforementioned could face two years jail term and a fine of about KSh 300,000 under Article 266 of the country's Penal Code.
Zambia beyond copper
Copper, once known as the pride of Zambia, was a heavy contributor to the nation’s economy.
The effects of child marriages in the lives of young African girls
Every year, 15 million girls are locked away from a better life. Africa is the home majority of these girls
The history of Capoeira
Capoeira is an African-Brazilian martial art that combines the elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.