South Africa’s first accredited cannabis course launched

South Africa pioneers first accredited cannabis course

In a significant step for cannabis education, South Africa has officially launched its first accredited higher education program dedicated to cannabis production and management.

Offered by Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy, this groundbreaking course has received formal recognition from the Council on Higher Education (CHE), marking a historic milestone for the African continent.

A rigorous path to accreditation

The journey toward accreditation has been a demanding four-year process for Cheeba Africa. The academy’s Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management stands as a 120-credit, NQF Level 5 qualification, highlighting its robust academic framework.

According to Trenton Birch, CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Africa:

“It is a proud moment for our industry, and for South Africa, as we lead the way in one of the most important sectors of our time. This program will empower individuals, particularly those from underserved regions, to build sustainable livelihoods in the emerging cannabis sector.”

Expanding opportunities in rural regions

The launch coincides with an exciting collaboration between Cheeba Academy and the Township Cannabis Incubator (TCI) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. This partnership aims to drive job creation and sustainable development in one of South Africa’s most economically disadvantaged regions.

• Unemployment in the Eastern Cape exceeds 40%.
• Nearly 60% of residents live below the poverty line.
• The initiative aligns with government efforts to invest R1 billion in the local cannabis industry over the next five years.

Training Force, a long-standing educational provider in South Africa, has also partnered with Cheeba to further extend training opportunities to thousands of workers nationwide.

Program highlights and student opportunities

The Higher Certificate program, set to begin in early 2025, offers a full-time, immersive learning experience based at the academy’s Johannesburg campus. Designed for aspiring cannabis professionals and entrepreneurs, the course curriculum covers:

• Cannabis cultivation techniques
• Commercial operations and management
• Sustainable farming practices
• Medical cannabis fundamentals
• Futurism and industry innovations

By equipping students with essential skills across the cannabis value chain, the program positions itself as a transformative opportunity for education and economic growth within Africa’s budding cannabis sector.

Personal perspective

I find this development both timely and impactful. South Africa’s recognition of cannabis education not only acknowledges the economic opportunities in the sector but also prioritizes empowering communities that need it most.

The program reflects a progressive step forward, offering students skills to compete on an international scale while fostering local innovation.

This initiative, in my view, signals Africa’s potential to emerge as a leader in the cannabis economy, particularly as education, job creation, and sustainability become focal points. I look forward to seeing the program’s positive impact in the years ahead.