This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
On December 4, 2019, Zambia's Cabinet approved the cultivation, processing, and exporting of cannabis for economic and medicinal purposes, a move that could bring in $30 billion in annual earnings.
The trade will be handled in a controlled environment by the Zambia National Service, a military wing with a focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and property.
Government spokesperson Dora Siliya confirmed the decision, which has been welcomed by opposition leader Peter Sinkamba of the Green Party.
"It is a great idea being implemented almost too late. Should have been six years ago," Sinkamba said.
Published on December 17, 2019, this development comes as Zambia struggles to recover from a decline in copper exports, which has left the country in a debt hole.
