Cheeba Cannabis Training, the leading cannabis and hemp educator in Africa, has partnered with Training Force, a top training provider focused on delivering job-specific skills assessments and training, to expand hemp training opportunities across the continent. This collaboration will provide learners with access to over 45 Training Force sites throughout the country and the seven official Cheeba cannabis and hemp-training centres.
Through this partnership, Cheeba Cannabis Training and Training Force aim to advance the industry by offering high-quality training programmes that educate individuals on the uses, practicalities, benefits and regulations surrounding hemp and cannabis.
Daniel Orelowitz, Managing Director of Training Force, added: “This ground-breaking partnership with Cheeba Cannabis Training represents a significant step forward for the hemp industry in Africa, and we are honoured to be part of it. Through this collaboration we hope to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing industry which will play a significant role in job creation.”
This partnership comes in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address in which he recognised the untapped potential of the cannabis and hemp industry. The industry is valued at over R1,8 trillion in global sales and presents job-creation opportunities estimated to be as high as 130 000 new jobs in South Africa.
Hemp is a versatile crop with numerous applications, including food, fuel and fibre, and contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound with a range of health benefits. Despite the prospects the industry is still in its early stages, particularly in Africa, where knowledge and training opportunities are limited.
The industry is burgeoning and according to Polaris Market Research, the global hemp market size was valued at US$4,26 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16,9% by 2030. Africa, with around 200 million hectares of uncultivated land, is poised to become a leading player in hemp cultivation and processing.
“The collaboration with Training Force will allow us to broaden our reach and provide access to hemp education for individuals across the continent to support job creation and SMME (small, medium and micro-enterprise) development,” said Linda Siboto, co-founder of Cheeba. “We look forward to leveraging its vast network of training sites and infrastructure to achieve this.”
Cheeba is committed to advancing hemp education and training in Africa and promoting the benefits of this versatile crop. As interest in cannabis and hemp continues to grow, this partnership will be at the forefront of providing the tools and knowledge to succeed in this evolving industry.
The initial programmes will deliver Seta-aligned NQF Level 2 and 4 programmes covering “How to Start a Hemp Business,” “Hemp Cultivation and Processing,” and Africa’s first accredited Hempcrete Building course in partnership with Afrimathemp, accredited by the SA Council for Architectural Profession and the Engineering Council of SA, with more programmes to follow.
Training takes place, among other countrywide venues, at Ignited Unlimited Paarl (Western Cape). To enquire, visit the Cheeba Cannabis Training website https://cheebaafrica.com/
