Tanzanian honey finally breaks into lucrative Chinese market

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has achieved a significant milestone by exporting its first shipment of honey to China, one of the world’s largest markets.

This development marks a pivotal step for the country’s beekeeping industry, which has immense potential but has long faced challenges in accessing international markets.

Witnessing the flag-off of the first 10-tonne shipment in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Industry and Trade minister Selemani Jafo, described the event as a historic moment.

“This is not just about exporting honey; it’s about realising economic growth and strengthening international partnerships,” he said. “We are opening a significant market that will benefit local beekeepers and processors. It’s time for Tanzania to fully seize the opportunities in China and beyond.”

Tanzania ranks second in Africa and 14th globally in beekeeping. The country has an estimated capacity to produce 138,000 tonnes of honey and 9,200 tonnes of beeswax annually.

However, actual production stands at 31,179 tonnes of honey and 1,865 tonnes of beeswax, representing only 22 percent of its potential.

The sector employs approximately two million people, with most beekeepers operating in rural areas. Currently, only 11,235.96 hectares of land are gazetted as beekeeping reserves, a fraction of the national goal to dedicate 114,000 hectares to beekeeping by 2031.

Despite these figures, accessing international markets has been a challenge due to issues related to quality standards, packaging and marketing.

The recent breakthrough was made possible through Tanzania’s participation in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Tanzania Future Enterprises Company Limited production manager Jackson Mponela highlighted the significance of this achievement.

“This is a game-changer for our industry,” he said. “China’s trust in our honey opens up opportunities for us to showcase our products on a global stage,” he said.

Mr Mponela emphasised the importance of packaging improvements to meet international standards.

“We often use plastic bottles, but international markets prefer glass packaging, which is more expensive. It’s an area we need to address to enhance our competitiveness.”

One of Tanzania’s unique advantages is the availability of organic honey produced in forest reserves managed by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS). Over 90 percent of beekeeping activities take place in these pristine environments, ensuring the honey is free from contaminants.

TFS senior conservation officer Karim Solyambingu explained the opportunities for Tanzanians to venture into beekeeping.

“We allow individuals without land to keep bees in forest reserves free of charge. This initiative aims to boost honey production and contribute to environmental conservation,” he said.

Mr Solyambingu also noted that TFS collaborates with quality assurance agencies to send honey samples to international laboratories in Germany for certification. “This ensures our honey meets global standards, making it attractive to buyers worldwide,” he said.

Top honey-exporting countries like China, New Zealand and Argentina have set benchmarks Tanzania can emulate. These countries focus on consistent quality, advanced processing technologies and robust marketing strategies.

New Zealand, for instance, has built a strong brand around Manuka honey, emphasising its medicinal properties. Similarly, Argentina has established a reputation for high-quality organic honey by maintaining stringent quality controls.

Tanzania can adopt these practices by investing in modern honey processing facilities. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is already constructing five modern honey processing factories in Sikonge, Kibondo, Mlele, Bukombe and Nzega.

These facilities will enhance the country’s capacity to meet international demand.

An agricultural economist, Ms Jane Makala, believes the Chinese market could transform Tanzania’s beekeeping industry.

“This is an opportunity to diversify our export portfolio,” she said. “To succeed, we must address challenges like inadequate infrastructure and limited awareness among beekeepers about international standards,” she said.

Ms Makala also highlighted the potential environmental benefits.

“Beekeeping promotes forest conservation. By tapping into global markets, we encourage sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.”