Prof Katerere joins FIHO Board

Professor David R Katerere has been appointed to the 2026–2027 Board of Directors of the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO), a development that places African research expertise at the centre of international discussions shaping the global hemp industry.

Prof David R Katerere, Co-Director of the TUT_CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub. Prof Katerere is the Research Platform Chair for Pharmaceutical and Biotech Advancement in Africa (PBA2) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Co-Director of the TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub. His appointment brings both a research-focused and African perspective to FIHO, an international body that promotes collaboration on hemp policy, regulation, research, standards, trade and industry development.

FIHO emerged from discussions among hemp industry organisations that began in 2021 and was subsequently established to provide a platform through which hemp organisations can coordinate their activities and engage collectively with international institutions and stakeholders. Its work includes policy and regulatory engagement, research and standards development, information sharing, and the strengthening of international networks across the hemp sector.

Prof Katerere’s appointment coincides with TUT’s continued expansion of its cannabis and hemp research and innovation activities. The University’s Cannabis and Hemp Research and Innovation Platform, relaunched in 2026, integrates research and development with training, product development, extraction services, and support for farmers, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders. The broader TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub brings together expertise from pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, crop sciences, engineering and agro-processing.

TUT and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have also secured separate permits for hemp cultivation, commercialisation and research. These permits allow for the cultivation of up to 20 hectares and provide opportunities for further studies in genetics, agronomy, extraction technologies and product development.

Prof Katerere has emphasised that the development of the cannabis and hemp sector requires more than cultivation and extraction. His research focuses on the entire value chain, including product development, pharmaceutical applications, biotechnology, quality assurance and the conversion of raw materials into value-added products. This approach aligns with TUT’s broader research agenda, which includes work on cannabis-based medicines, nutraceuticals, natural products, sustainable agricultural applications, and the utilisation of hemp and cannabis waste streams for value-added materials such as biochar.

He joins a FIHO Board comprising leaders and specialists from various sectors of the international hemp industry. The Board includes experts in policy, governance, business development, hemp production, food processing, textiles, regulation and research. FIHO’s Secretary-General, Herrick “Rick” Fox, works closely with international and multilateral organisations to advance the global hemp industry.

The Board is chaired by Ted Haney, President and CEO of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, who was elected FIHO Board Chair in November 2022. Other members include Patrick Atagi, President and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council in the United States, as well as industry leaders from Europe, North America, Australia and Canada, including Daniel Kruse, Charles Kovess, Rachele Invernizzi and Lelia Lawson.

Prof Katerere’s appointment strengthens the Board’s scientific expertise while bringing valuable African perspectives to discussions on the future of the hemp industry. His background in pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology and research contributes an important dimension to FIHO’s work in promoting innovation and sustainable development across the global hemp value chain.

With more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and practice across four countries and three continents, Prof Katerere has established himself as a respected scholar and researcher. He holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also co-edited books on ethnoveterinary botanical medicines, complex global challenges, and traditional and indigenous knowledge systems.

At TUT, his work extends beyond academic research. The PBA2 platform focuses on pharmaceutical development, herbal medicinal products, cannabis-based medicines, nutraceuticals and medicine quality, while the TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub serves as a centre for research, innovation and collaboration across the cannabis and hemp value chain.

His appointment also builds on TUT’s existing relationship with FIHO. In 2024, TUT reported that the TUT/CSIR Cannabis Hub was the only paid-up African member of the organisation and was actively contributing to initiatives aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of hemp value chains.

For TUT, Prof Katerere’s appointment further strengthens the University’s participation in global conversations on hemp research, standards, regulation and value addition. As the 2026–2027 FIHO Board begins its term, his role presents an opportunity to contribute South African and broader African expertise to the continued development of the international hemp sector.

Prof David Katerere appointed to FIHO 2026–2027 Board of Directors