African Cannabis, Hemp & CBD Events 2026–2028
Africa’s cannabis, hemp, CBD and cannabinoid industries are developing rapidly, creating a growing number of opportunities for businesses, investors, healthcare professionals, farmers, manufacturers, regulators and consumers to meet and exchange ideas.
From major cannabis expos and medical cannabis conferences to hemp summits, investment forums and specialist business events, the African cannabis events calendar is becoming increasingly diverse.
This guide to African Cannabis, Hemp & CBD Events 2026–2028 highlights upcoming events that have been publicly announced and can be verified through event organisers or reliable industry sources.
Upcoming African Cannabis Events
As of September 2026, South Africa is currently the main hub for confirmed major cannabis and hemp events on the African continent. Johannesburg and Cape Town are hosting several events aimed at different parts of the cannabis industry, from pharmaceutical cannabis and medical applications to cultivation, investment, retail and consumer products.
Medicinal Cannabis Business Conference 2027
Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 17–18 March 2027
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Focus: Medical cannabis, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, regulation and cultivation
Audience: B2B and professional
The Medicinal Cannabis Business Conference (MCBC) is aimed at professionals working in the medical and pharmaceutical cannabis sectors.
The conference brings together businesses and professionals involved in cannabis cultivation, pharmaceutical products, healthcare, regulation, research and patient access.
The event is particularly relevant for companies looking to understand the developing medical cannabis market in Africa and the regulatory environment surrounding medicinal cannabinoid products.
MCBC takes place alongside SAPHEX, a major pharmaceutical and healthcare exhibition. Other events taking place within the wider programme include The Pharmacy Show, GP Expo, The Hospital Show, Digital Health Show and the SALDA Laboratory Diagnostics Forum.
Official event: SAPHEX / Medicinal Cannabis Business Conference
The Cannabis Expo 2027
Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 28–30 May 2027
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Focus: Cannabis, hemp, cultivation, processing, investment, regulation, technology and retail
Audience: B2B and B2C
The Cannabis Expo is one of the largest cannabis-focused trade and consumer events in Africa.
The event covers a wide range of areas within the cannabis industry, including medicinal cannabis, agriculture, industrial hemp, financial services, technology, cultivation, processing, retail and lifestyle products.
Visitors can expect an exhibition area featuring cannabis and hemp businesses alongside educational sessions, business networking and industry presentations.
The 2027 event is also scheduled to include the Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit, making Johannesburg an important meeting point for cannabis and hemp businesses from across Africa.
Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit 2027
Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 28–30 May 2027, as part of The Cannabis Expo programme
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Focus: Cannabis, hemp, business, regulation, investment and cultivation
Audience: Primarily B2B
The Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit brings together professionals from across the cannabis and hemp supply chain.
The summit is designed for cultivators, investors, processors, manufacturers, retailers, cannabis clubs, regulators, consultants and other businesses operating within the cannabis ecosystem.
Topics covered by the summit include cultivation standards, medical cannabis, industrial hemp, cannabis regulation, supply chains, investment, manufacturing and new technologies.
For businesses interested in the commercial side of Africa’s cannabis industry, the summit provides an opportunity to meet other industry participants and follow developments in the sector.
World Class Cannabis Business Africa 2027
Cape Town, South Africa
Date: 18–19 November 2027
Venue: Cape Town — venue to be confirmed
Focus: Cannabis business, investment, market development and commercial strategy
Audience: B2B and senior executives
World Class Cannabis Business Africa is a smaller, executive-focused business conference rather than a large consumer exhibition.
The event is aimed at senior executives, investors, cannabis companies and professional service providers interested in the commercial development of the African cannabis market.
Topics are expected to include investment, market dynamics, consumer behaviour, competitive positioning and opportunities within the African cannabis sector.
The organiser describes the event as a limited-capacity business gathering designed to encourage high-level networking and commercial discussions.
Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa
Cannabis and Hemp Industry Relevance
Not every event relevant to the African hemp and CBD industry is specifically branded as a cannabis event.
Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa is an example of an adjacent trade event that can be relevant to companies producing hemp foods, CBD wellness products, natural cosmetics and other hemp-derived consumer goods.
The organiser currently lists editions in several South African cities during 2027, including:
- Cape Town: March 2027
- East London: May 2027
- Johannesburg: September 2027
Exact dates and venues should be checked with the organiser before planning attendance.
Why South Africa Is Becoming Africa’s Cannabis Event Hub
South Africa currently has the most developed calendar of major cannabis-related events on the African continent.
Several factors contribute to this position, including an established agricultural sector, pharmaceutical industry, cannabis cultivation industry, hemp businesses and a growing network of professional services supporting the sector.
The country’s developing regulatory environment is also generating demand for conferences and business events covering licensing, compliance, cultivation, medical cannabis and commercial opportunities.
Johannesburg is particularly important because of its concentration of business, investment and professional services, while Cape Town has developed a strong cannabis, agricultural and lifestyle business ecosystem.
What Types of Cannabis Events Take Place in Africa?
Cannabis Trade Shows
Trade shows provide businesses with an opportunity to exhibit products, meet potential customers and discover new technologies and suppliers.
Typical exhibitors include cannabis cultivators, CBD manufacturers, equipment suppliers, laboratories, packaging companies, consultants, retailers and technology providers.
Medical Cannabis Conferences
Medical cannabis conferences focus on healthcare, pharmaceutical products, cannabinoid science, patient access, clinical applications and regulation.
These events are particularly relevant to doctors, pharmacists, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and medical cannabis businesses.
Hemp Conferences
Hemp events focus on the commercial and agricultural potential of industrial hemp.
Topics can include hemp cultivation, fibre, textiles, food, construction materials, CBD extraction, biomass, processing and sustainable agriculture.
Cannabis Investment Forums
Investment-focused events connect cannabis businesses with investors, financial professionals, entrepreneurs and strategic partners.
Discussions may cover investment opportunities, business models, market development, financing and international expansion.
Cannabis Consumer Expos
Consumer-oriented events provide an opportunity for members of the public to discover cannabis-related products, CBD products, accessories, wellness products and educational information.
Consumer events can also include food, entertainment, demonstrations and lifestyle activities.
African Cannabis Events by Country
South Africa
South Africa currently has the largest concentration of confirmed major cannabis and hemp events.
Important event locations include:
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
Major events include The Cannabis Expo, Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit, Medicinal Cannabis Business Conference and World Class Cannabis Business Africa.
Ghana
Ghana has an emerging regulated cannabis industry and is becoming increasingly relevant to businesses involved in medical and industrial cannabis.
However, as of September 2026, I have not identified a major upcoming Ghanaian cannabis-specific event with sufficiently confirmed dates and venue information to include in the main calendar.
Kenya
Kenya has an emerging hemp, CBD and cannabis business ecosystem, but no major upcoming cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for the period covered by this guide.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has developed an important cannabis cultivation and export sector. The country is therefore worth watching for future cannabis conferences, investment forums and agricultural events.
No major upcoming Zimbabwean cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for this calendar.
Malawi
Malawi is becoming increasingly important in the African cannabis cultivation and export sector.
No major upcoming Malawi cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for the current 24-month calendar.
Lesotho
Lesotho has an established cannabis cultivation industry and remains an important African cannabis market.
No major upcoming Lesotho cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for the current calendar.
Rwanda
Rwanda has developed a regulated medical cannabis industry with an emphasis on cultivation and international markets.
No major upcoming Rwanda cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for the period covered here.
Nigeria
Nigeria has a large agricultural and consumer market and continues to attract interest in hemp, CBD and medical cannabis.
No major upcoming Nigerian cannabis-specific event with sufficiently verified dates was identified for inclusion in this calendar.
Why Attend an African Cannabis Event?
Africa’s cannabis industry is developing across multiple sectors, making industry events useful for both established companies and businesses entering the market.
Depending on the event, visitors can:
- Meet cannabis and hemp producers
- Discover CBD and cannabinoid products
- Find cultivation and processing equipment
- Meet investors and financial partners
- Learn about cannabis regulation
- Meet legal and compliance specialists
- Explore medical cannabis opportunities
- Discover hemp applications
- Meet distributors and retailers
- Explore African cannabis markets
- Build international business relationships
Who Should Attend African Cannabis Events?
African cannabis and hemp events can be valuable for a wide range of professionals and businesses.
- Cannabis cultivators
- Hemp farmers
- CBD manufacturers
- Medical cannabis companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Retailers
- Distributors
- Investors
- Lawyers
- Regulatory consultants
- Researchers
- Doctors and healthcare professionals
- Pharmacists
- Technology companies
- Packaging companies
- Testing laboratories
- Logistics providers
- Financial service providers
Upcoming African Cannabis Events: Quick Calendar
March 2027
Medicinal Cannabis Business Conference — Johannesburg, South Africa
May 2027
The Cannabis Expo — Johannesburg, South Africa
May 2027
Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit — Johannesburg, South Africa
November 2027
World Class Cannabis Business Africa — Cape Town, South Africa
Looking for African Cannabis Events?
The CBD Africa Events Directory is designed to help businesses and industry professionals discover cannabis, hemp, CBD and cannabinoid events taking place across Africa.
Our event categories include:
- Cannabis Conferences
- Cannabis Expos
- Hemp Events
- CBD Events
- Medical Cannabis Conferences
- Cannabis Investment Forums
- Cannabis Business Events
- Cannabis Cultivation Events
- Cannabis Technology Events
- Cannabis Retail Events
- Regulatory Conferences
- Consumer Cannabis Festivals
Add Your Cannabis Event
Are you organising a cannabis, hemp, CBD, THC or cannabinoid event in Africa?
Event organisers can submit conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, summits, business forums and other major industry gatherings to the CBD Africa Events Directory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cannabis event in Africa?
The Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg is one of the continent’s major cannabis-focused trade and consumer events. It combines an exhibition with educational and business programming and includes the Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit.
Where are most African cannabis events held?
At present, South Africa has the strongest concentration of confirmed major cannabis industry events, particularly in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Are African cannabis events suitable for businesses?
Yes. Many events are specifically designed for B2B networking and bring together cultivators, manufacturers, investors, distributors, retailers, consultants, lawyers, healthcare professionals and technology companies.
Are cannabis events suitable for consumers?
Some events have a consumer component, while others are strictly professional. The Cannabis Expo, for example, combines B2B industry activity with consumer-facing elements.
Are cannabis and THC products legal at these events?
Not necessarily. The presence of a cannabis event does not mean that every cannabis, THC or CBD product can legally be sold, consumed or demonstrated at the venue. Product legality depends on the applicable national and local regulations.
Will CBD Africa update this event calendar?
Yes. The African cannabis industry is developing quickly and new conferences, expos and business events may be announced throughout the year. Event dates, venues and registration information should always be checked against the organiser’s official website.
Important Event Disclaimer
This African cannabis events guide is provided for informational purposes. Event dates, venues, organisers, programmes and registration arrangements can change.
CBD Africa does not endorse any particular event, organiser, product or company. Visitors should check the official event website before booking travel, accommodation or tickets.
All cannabis, hemp, CBD and THC activities remain subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which the event takes place.