EFFORTS undertaken by the government to search markets for honey have enabled small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing the sweet produce to sell a total of 337.3 tonnes in foreign markets in 2023.

Deputy Minister for Industry and trade Mr Exaud Kigahe informed the National Assembly yesterday while responding to a basic question by Special seats MP Aziza Ally (CCM) who wanted to know the government’s strategy for finding a market for honey.

Mr Kigahe said that the government has developed a strategy for searching a market for the country’s honey, which includes training on best practices in the honey value chain; establishing common facilities for better honey processing; promoting locally produced honey at domestic, regional and international exhibitions; and incorporating Tanzania’s honey opportunities into bilateral, regional and international negotiations.

He said the efforts have enabled 46 small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) producing honey to sell 337.3 tonnes in foreign markets, particularly in Europe, with the highest demand coming from Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, followed by the East African Community (EAC) market (Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda); and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, particularly in Botswana.

“The total sales in these markets for 2023 amounted to 2.bn/- “, he said. In his supplementary question Tabora North MP Almasi Maige wanted to know whether the government has a plan to establish a model beekeeping farm.

Responding, the Deputy Minister said that the government has already started helping beekeepers to secure areas for beekeeping, including Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) farms, to assist them to obtain quality honey.

In these areas, there are also factories for honey extraction. In December last year, Tanzania reached a significant milestone in advancing its beekeeping sector by commencing honey exports to China.

The shipment, weighing approximately 10 metric tonnes, has been procured by the East Africa Commercial Logistic Centre, a Chinese company specializing in international trade and the move is set to boost Tanzania’s presence in global markets.

The honey, exported through Weihai Huatan Supply Chain Management Company Ltd, the EACLC’s parent company, departed from Dar es Salaam Port on Wednesday and is expected to reach Weihai Port in China within 27 days, offering Chinese consumers a taste of Tanzania’s sweet produce.

China, with its massive population, requires around 32 million tonnes of honey each year, the demand presents a lucrative opportunity for Tanzania to expand its honey production and establish a stronger presence in the global market