Arabfields, Ngab Niyonzima, special correspondent, Dodoma, Tanzania — Tanzania is increasing investment in training programs and technical support for beekeepers as the country seeks to strengthen its position among Africa’s leading honey producers in 2026.
Authorities and agricultural organizations are focusing on improving professional skills across the honey value chain, from hive management and harvesting methods to processing and packaging standards. The initiative comes as demand for natural honey products continues to rise both locally and internationally.
With an estimated 9.2 million bee colonies, Tanzania currently ranks as the second largest honey producer in Africa and among the top ten worldwide. National production is estimated at roughly 31,000 tonnes of honey and 1,800 tonnes of beeswax annually, contributing close to 1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
In the Tabora region, beekeeper Joseph Mwita says training sessions organized through cooperatives have already changed daily practices for many rural producers.
“Before, we used traditional techniques that reduced quality and damaged hives,” he explained while preparing wooden frames near his apiary. “Now we understand how to protect the bees and collect more honey without losses.”
Much of Tanzania’s honey sector still relies on traditional forest hives and manual harvesting systems, which experts say limit productivity and export potential. Sector specialists believe that improving technical knowledge could significantly raise yields over the next few years without requiring major expansion of bee colonies.
Government agencies and development partners are also encouraging younger entrepreneurs to enter the industry by offering workshops on modern beekeeping technologies, food safety standards and market access. In Dar es Salaam, honey processor Amina Suleiman says better training is helping local businesses compete with imported products.
“Consumers are becoming more demanding about quality,” she said. “If producers improve packaging and hygiene standards, Tanzanian honey can reach more supermarkets and export markets.”
Analysts estimate that domestic and regional demand for honey products could grow by more than 20 percent before 2030, driven by rising urban consumption and increasing use of natural ingredients in food and cosmetics. Tanzania is also expected to benefit from stronger trade links within East Africa, where processed agricultural goods are gaining importance.
Researchers warn, however, that environmental pressures remain a major challenge. Deforestation, pesticide exposure and climate related disruptions continue to threaten bee populations in several rural areas. Technical experts argue that future growth will depend not only on production skills, but also on forest conservation and sustainable land management policies.
Despite these risks, industry observers believe Tanzania could substantially increase honey exports over the next decade if modernization efforts continue. Several forecasts suggest the country may raise annual honey production beyond 40,000 tonnes by the early 2030s as more producers adopt improved techniques and access higher value markets.
For many rural families, the sector represents more than an agricultural business. In remote communities where employment opportunities remain limited, beekeeping is increasingly seen as a stable source of income capable of supporting education, healthcare and local development.
