Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Africa’s honey industry is entering a new phase of expansion as rising consumer demand, improved production methods and stronger regional trade reshape the continent’s apiculture sector. Producers across countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Algeria are reporting stronger harvests in 2026, while governments and agricultural cooperatives are investing more heavily in modern beekeeping practices.

According to recent sector data, Africa now accounts for roughly 12 percent of global honey production, compared with about 10 percent a decade ago. Annual production on the continent has climbed to more than 220,000 tonnes, reflecting one of the fastest growth rates worldwide in the sector. Analysts say the increase is being driven by expanding domestic consumption, growing exports and rising interest in natural food products among urban consumers.

In northern Ethiopia, beekeeper Tesfaye Alemu says improved hive monitoring tools have changed how small farmers manage their colonies. “Before, we relied mostly on experience and instinct. Now we can detect problems earlier and reduce losses,” he explained during a regional agricultural fair in Addis Ababa.

Technology is becoming increasingly important across the industry. In Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, local agritech startups are introducing connected sensors that monitor hive temperature, humidity and bee activity in real time. The systems allow farmers to react quickly to disease outbreaks or environmental stress, helping improve productivity while lowering operating losses.

Algeria is also strengthening its position in the African honey market. In Boumerdès, honey production increased by nearly 19 percent during the latest agricultural season after local authorities expanded technical support programs for beekeepers. Officials say modernization of hives and stronger cooperative structures have helped raise productivity across the region.

In the eastern province of Souk Ahras, one of Algeria’s leading honey-producing areas, output surpassed 1,500 quintals during the 2024-2025 season. Local agricultural authorities reported that more than 20,000 hives were active, with average yields reaching 13.5 kilograms per hive. The region has also benefited from state-backed initiatives that distributed more than 4,000 new hives and modern equipment to hundreds of beekeepers.

For many rural communities in Algeria, apiculture is becoming more than a secondary agricultural activity. Younger farmers are increasingly turning to honey production as climate pressures continue to affect cereal farming and other traditional crops. Local producers are also diversifying into beeswax, propolis and cosmetic products derived from honey, creating additional income opportunities in rural areas.

Scientific research is also helping the sector develop. A recent study examining Algerian honey identified more than 150 pollen types from 63 plant families, highlighting the country’s rich floral diversity and the strong potential for premium regional honey products. Researchers believe this biodiversity could support future export growth if quality certification systems continue improving.

Industry observers estimate the global apiculture market exceeded $10 billion in value recently and could continue expanding steadily through the end of the decade. Based on current trends, Algeria could emerge as one of North Africa’s most competitive honey suppliers by 2030, especially if investments in beekeeper training, environmental protection and export logistics continue.

Challenges nevertheless remain significant. Climate change, pesticide exposure and irregular rainfall patterns continue to threaten bee colonies in several regions. Experts warn that stronger environmental safeguards and wider access to modern equipment will be essential to maintain recent growth.

Still, confidence across the sector remains high. During recent agricultural meetings in Oran and other producing regions, several cooperatives predicted that Algerian honey could gain stronger international visibility over the next five years as demand for natural and traceable food products continues to rise.