About Us
About Us
Baobab is one of the leading, knowledge-led companies in the cannabis and hemp industry.
We live in a knowledge economy where the most valuable asset of a customer-driven company is the intellectual capital, expertise and knowledge of the people. This is especially true in the nascent, complex, fast changing, and multi-faceted industry like cannabis and hemp.
Baobab believes in people, not products, money or factories. This approach is key to the value that our company offers to its clients.
We believe in intellectual / knowledge capital, vested in our people and our strategic alliance partners. We apply this belief equally to our clients, hence our focus on training and education.
We believe in the transformative nature of the cannabis plant.
Our offering is based on local knowledge and understanding of the unique legal, regulatory, economic, socio-political needs of our region. This is critical to the long-term success of the industry and our clients’ businesses.
Cannabis is, however, a global industry, and we can learn from countries like Canada and the USA that are further down the road than South Africa.
Our Vision
To build a successful, ethical, responsible and sustainable cannabis industry in Africa that benefits the people of Africa.
Our Values
Humanity | Integrity & honesty | Responsibility | Collaboration | Transparency | Continuous Improvement
We are driven by our values
Practical manifestation of these values includes:
Sustainable development
building a green economy & address climate changes issues
Job creation
rural economic development & poverty alleviation
Corporate governance
regulatory and fiscal compliance with no corruption
Inclusiveness
space for everybody from the poor rural farmer to large African corporations
Benefit and add value in Africa
Skills transfer, IP development, African manufacturing and value addition
Support communities, SMME’s & local businesses
Drive and facilitate local economic activity and job creation, as a positive and sustainable contributor to the local communities
Protect African IP and knowledge
Committed to our African roots and local communities.
Education & training
human capital development, especially youth & woman
Green economy
protect the earth from destructive exploitation
High & fair standards
public safety, harm reduction, quality & monitoring
Contact Us
Let us assist and grow your cannabis and hemp business.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Our Team
CEO Biography
Pierre’s career started at the SABC where his final position was GM: Resources reporting to the CEO Zwelakhe Sisulu. His 40-year serial entrepreneurial journey then began – Pierre was a founder and key player in setting up a number of media companies including YFM, Yarona FM, TBM Communications, SA Direct and Tuluntulu.
Since 2016 Pierre has been increasingly focused on the Cannabis and Hemp industries. In 2018 Pierre wrote a research report for the SA Government on the economic potential of cannabis and hemp for South Africa, after which he started a number of Cannabis companies including AfriCannaBiz (Eastern Cape Cultivator), Silverleaf Investments (Venture Capital Fund www.silverleafinvestments.co.za ), Baobab Training (AgriSeta accredited Training) and Baobab International (www.baobab.co ) a consulting company, and Ecogreen Analytics a cannabis focused testing laboratory (www.ecogreenanalytics.co.za ). Pierre was also a founding member of an industry organisation called ACIA – African Cannabis Industry Association.
Since late 2017 Pierre has worked extensively with numerous stakeholders in the industry including the Cannabis Development Council (CDC), Traditional Healers Organisation (THO), ACIA and the National Private Sector Working Group (NCMP).
Pierre is a Rhodes University Alumni (B.Comm Honours), a qualified Chartered Accountant, Chartered Marketer and read an MBA at Brunel University in the UK. In cannabis Pierre holds a Master Certificate from CTU (www.cannabistraininguniversity.com ), a NQF level 4 certificate in cannabis cultivation, and a traditional healers certificate from ANHA (African Natural Healers Association).
Pierre has delivered papers at various conferences including the following; The Cannabis Expo (x3), VEXPO, Cannabis Expo (EL), Cannabis GC Conference (Mthatha), World Travel Market 2023 (cannabis tourism) and numerous local and international webinars. he has participated in various cannabis and hemp forums including the 2023 Cannabis Phakisa and the 2024 Hemp Symposium.
Strategic Alliances
One of the most critical and time consuming tasks in this nascent industry is to identify professional suppliers and partners who share the same values and provide a professional and cost-effective service.
Baobab currently works with the following leaders in their field of expertise:
BAOBAB & CANNABIS
A perfect match, rooted in in Africa, of global significance.
The sacred and iconic Baobab tree is known as the ‘Tree of Life’. Cannabis is regarded the world over as a sacred and powerful plant.
Our mission is to free the powers of Cannabis!
Baobab’s founders chose the African baobab to represent the group because of its unique endurance, resolute hardiness and massive growth potential. From modest beginnings we intend to grow inexorably into an African giant, nourishing all communities in our range. Baobab.co also believes in the power of numerous other African botanical treasures which can combine synergistically with cannabis.
Baobab believes that cannabis, hemp and other African botanical plants and trees can positively change the future of Africa and its people.
Baobab Fact:
The trunk of the Baobab tree does not have rings like other trees making it nearly impossible to determine its age. Using science the oldest tree in Africa is between 2,450 and 2,500 years old.