DODOMA – Tanzanian honey producers have seen a significant boost in exports, selling 337.3 tonnes of honey to international markets in 2023, thanks to government initiatives to expand market access. Exaud Kigahe, Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, informed the National Assembly that this success is a result of a multi-pronged strategy.

The government's approach includes training programs for beekeepers on best practices throughout the honey value chain, establishing shared honey processing facilities, promoting Tanzanian honey at domestic, regional, and international exhibitions, and incorporating honey export opportunities into bilateral, regional, and international trade negotiations.

These efforts have enabled 46 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to penetrate foreign markets, primarily in Europe. Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland have shown the strongest demand, followed by markets within the East African Community (EAC), including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly Botswana. Total sales for 2023 reached 2 billion Tanzanian Shillings.

Responding to a supplementary question regarding the establishment of model beekeeping farms, Minister Kigahe stated that the government is already assisting beekeepers in securing suitable land, including areas within Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) farms, to ensure the production of high-quality honey. These areas also include honey extraction facilities.

In a landmark achievement last December, Tanzania began exporting honey to China. 1  The initial shipment of approximately 10 metric tonnes was procured by the East Africa Commercial Logistic Centre, a Chinese company specializing in international trade. 1  This development is expected to further solidify Tanzania's presence in the global honey market.