French agency provides €1,5m sweetener to Zim beekeepers

THE French Development Agency (AFD) has provided a €1,5 million grant to a joint initiative between ZimTrade and Expertise France to transform Zimbabwe’s beekeeping industry.

Expertise France is a French public agency, which designs and implements international technical co-operation projects.

The joint initiative, Zim-Bee Project, seeks to enhance honey production, boost exports and promote sustainable practices.

The funding is provided through AFD’s Trade Capacity Building Programme.

Beekeeping in Zimbabwe holds vast, yet largely untapped, potential not only as a profitable industry but also as a key driver of biodiversity conservation.

“This project is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s honey sector. By equipping producers with the right skills and tools, we are laying the foundation for a more competitive and sustainable industry,” ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said in a statement.

“The partnership with Expertise France and AFD opens doors for Zimbabwean honey to reach new markets and drive rural development.”

The project is expected to contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

he two-and-half-year project will focus on three key beekeeping regions which are Matabeleland North, Manicaland and Mashonaland West directly benefiting 445 honey producers.

The initiative is designed to improve honey quality, strengthen value chain collaboration and enhance export potential.

A key component of the project is helping Zimbabwean honey meet international quality standards, particularly those required for exports to the European Union.

This will be achieved through improved production practices and the establishment of a national honey quality certification centre.

Beekeeping provides a vital source of income for rural communities, enhancing food security and job creation, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Once we meet international quality standards, Zimbabwean honey will be well-positioned to tap into the growing global demand for sustainably produced honey, especially in Europe,” Majuru said.

“This will drive new trade partnerships and elevate the status of Zimbabwe’s honey on the world stage.”

A significant focus of the Zim-Bee Project is economic empowerment for women, who make up the majority of honey producers in Zimbabwe.

“Supporting Zimbabwe’s honey industry aligns with France’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” Expertise France project manager Vincent Bwire said.

“This project not only strengthens local production but also empowers women and promotes environmental protection — crucial elements of a development strategy that benefits all members of society.”

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