TUT-CSIR cannabis and hemp research unlocks economic opportunities for cannabis industry development in SA

With just a few days to go before the Cannabis Expo kicks off at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 29 to 31 May 2026, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is excited to join leaders and experts in the industry to share its work in advancing cannabis and hemp research, innovation, and education.

Cannabis and hemp fields TUT and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are at the forefront of cutting-edge cannabis and hemp research to support the development of the cannabis industry in South Africa and the continent.

The research is conducted under the auspices of the TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub, a collaborative initiative launched in 2022, to advance research, innovation, and education on cannabis and hemp and to assist in the creation of the emerging industry, from cultivation and distribution to processing and consumer products.

The Hub brings together a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experts spanning pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, crop sciences, engineering, and agro-processing. This expertise is complemented by a dynamic cohort of students and interns, and is supported by advanced infrastructure, including a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction system, unique in Sub-Saharan Africa, to unlock new opportunities across the health and wellness, agriculture, textiles, automotive, and mining sectors.

Flowers from which oil is extracted. At the Cannabis Expo, TUT will be represented by Co-Director of the TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Hub and TUT Platform Chair in Pharmaceutical and Biotech Advancement in Africa (PBAA), Prof David Katerere, and Dr Tshepo Lechaba, a researcher in the PBAA group. Prof Katerere is scheduled to discuss the African medical cannabis landscape in a panel discussion on 29 May 2026, and Dr Lechaba is scheduled to participate in a discussion on access to medical cannabis on 30 May 2026.

The TUT/CSIR Hub is unlocking both the health and economic potential of cannabis and hemp, including the utilisation of cannabis and ancient grains such as sorghum and finger millet to develop nutraceutical products. In terms of pharmaceutical development, the Hub has developed several cosmeceutical formulations which are in clinical testing, working with medical doctors. The Hub is also collaborating with farmers in Gauteng’s West Rand to explore sustainable chicken and livestock feed solutions incorporating cannabis and other ingredients. Cannabis and hemp waste streams are being investigated for the development of biochar, contributing to sustainable waste management practices and enabling the production of value-added materials for agricultural and industrial applications.

Hemp drying process. While the Hub is focused on research innovation and education to advance economic opportunities in cannabis and hemp, it is complemented by an online service, the Cannabis and Hemp Research and Innovation Platform, which facilitates engagement with businesses and entrepreneurs. Through the Platform, businesses and entrepreneurs can enquire about the full suite of services on offer at the Hub to assist them, from research and development to training and extraction.

Prof Katerere said South Africa and the continent have not tapped into the economic opportunities that can be created through an integrated cannabis and hemp industry.

According to Prof Katerere, the focus in South Africa and across the continent is on growing cannabis and hemp, and on extraction, but not on value-adding products, services and expertise that yield higher returns.

“An industry comprises economic activities that are concerned with the processing of raw materials into finished value-added goods,” said Prof Katerere.

“The value chain of cannabis comprises cultivation, which involves seed/trait genetics, production systems and inputs, and production services. Distribution involves e-commerce, pharmacies, shipment and logistics. Processing involves product testing, extraction, and the use of clinically tested pharmaceutical formulations.

Seedlings of the highest quality are grown. “TUT has positioned itself as a scientific research leader across the continent in this area to empower and support entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals through cutting-edge research, training, and consultancy services,” he said.

TUT is also part of the Southern African Development Countries (SADC) Roundtable on Cannabis and Hemp, which will meet as part of CannaConnect 2026 in Johannesburg on 24 to 25 June 2026. The meeting will also feature research showcases from various universities, as well as dialogues with policymakers and industry. – Corporate Affairs and Marketing

Click here to find out more about the  TUT/CSIR Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub.
Click here for the  Cannabis and Hemp Research and Innovation Platform