Phivo Artemides is a recognised expert in industrial hemp, sustainability, and agro-rural socio-economic development. His work spans policy development, education, regenerative agriculture, and market-driven innovation.
From 2019 to 2020, Phivo authored a master’s paper on The Viability of Industrial Hemp to Develop Energy-Efficient Materials While Addressing Agro-Rural Socio-Economic Activities in the Eastern Cape, contributing key research on sustainable materials and rural economic resilience. Between 2020 and 2021, he played a pivotal role in regional policy development in Gauteng, collaborated with African Cannabis Advisory, and contributed to Hemp for Africa in New Frontier Data, focusing on Africa’s emerging hemp economy.
From 2021 to 2023, Phivo led the development of South Africa’s first accredited Higher Certificate in Cannabis and Hemp (NQF Level 4 in Plant Production). As a lecturer at Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Academy, he trained over 500 people, government officials, and industry professionals. His work also included developing and lecturing courses at the Gordon Institute of Business Science on industrial hemp and leading hempcrete construction training programs.
In 2021, he founded HempoSapiens, working with small-scale farmers across the country. In 2023, we developed a pioneering initiative working with over 500 small-scale farmers in Mpumalanga to build a localized hemp-for-food value chain. His efforts extend across Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, where he focuses on value-added hemp commodity development for market integration.
In 2024, Phivo was invited to speak at the KwaZulu-Natal Hemp Indaba, South Africa’s first national hemp conference, where he presented on the role of hemp in regenerative agriculture, local economies, and value chain development.
Currently, Phivo is collaborating with Abundant Village and key stakeholders to develop low-tech, localised hemp-based products for sustainable development. He also contributes to global dialogues on sustainable finance through the Geneva Rethinking Finance Convention, advocating for bioregional economic models.
Through this work, there is a major need to move the industrial hemp sector forward, integrating regenerative agriculture, local and national economic empowerment, and innovation.
