News from Southern Africa, 23 June.
The Cheeba Cannabis Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa is preparing students to partake in the expected bonanza of the cannabis industry, hoping to professionalize it and dispel stigma around marijuana.
The teaching aims to dispel stigma around bhang.
South Africa has the potential to become a major exporter of cannabis due to its favorable climate and lower costs, but the license system may shut out small farmers and big growers are struggling to meet European standards for exports.
Despite the challenges, many are betting on the industry to succeed, with the global cannabis market expected to balloon to up to $272 billion in 2028, and South Africa's slice forecasted to jump to $22 million in 2026.
2. Namibia risks being greylisted by the FATF if it fails to address strategic inadequacies in its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism practices, which could have negative consequences for its economic growth and development.
The Namibian economy of tomorrow depends on the wisdom of policymakers’ decisions today.
Corruption and money laundering are intrinsically linked, and if left unaddressed, can discourage foreign direct investment in Namibia and reduce capital inflows.
Lawmakers must take the necessary steps to amend and implement new laws to improve the country's AML/CFT practices to avoid being greylisted and maintain relationships with international counterparts.
3. The Oshikoto region in Namibia is struggling to bring down its teenage pregnancy rate.
Despite various measures implemented aimed at curbing the high rate of teenage pregnancy and school dropouts in the Oshikoto region, the edu
The region recorded 567 pregnant pupils and 1,814 school dropouts last year for a total population of approximately 182,000 people.
Challenges facing the education sector in the region include old school infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, sandy roads, a lack of water and electricity, and poor workmanship of some contractors.
Mitigation measures for gender-based violence and sexual abuse include awareness, educating adolescents, engaging peers and community members to prevent violence, and helping them access support if they experience violence.
4. Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa, opposition leader Chamisa, and former ruling party stalwart Kasukuwere are all registered to run in the presidential election scheduled for August.
Zimbabwe’s president, the country's main opposition leader and a former ruling party stalwart exiled following a coup are all seeking to run
The election is expected to be closely watched due to the country's history of violent and disputed elections, with voters also deciding on the makeup of parliament and local councils.
Human rights groups have accused Mnangagwa of repressive tactics to silence criticism, amidst severe economic problems and U.S. sanctions over human rights abuses.
