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The Honey Market in Africa: Sweet Potential Waiting to Be Unlocked

Africa’s honey sector has deep roots, with a history spanning centuries where honey was valued not only as food but also for traditional medicine, construction, and cultural practices. Today, this rich heritage is meeting modern opportunities. Beekeeping across the continent is thriving as rising demand for natural and organic products creates new markets and attracts fresh investment. From smallholder farmers to ambitious startups, more businesses are discovering that honey is far more than a cottage industry; it’s a golden economic opportunity ready to be scaled. 

In 2023, global honey production reached 1.89 million tons, with Africa recording the fastest growth rate worldwide. The continent now contributes 12% of global output, led by Ethiopia, which ranks as Africa’s largest producer and tenth globally. 

Honey production in africa

Table 1.1: Honey Production in Africa and Market Share 


Between 2013 and 2023, Africa’s honey production showed an overall upward trend despite fluctuations, rising from 170,000 tonnes in 2013 to 223,000 tonnes in 2023. Production peaked in 2019 at 284,000 tonnes, corresponding to the highest market share during the period—16.18%. Notably, 2020 maintained strong performance with 267,000 tonnes and a 15.06% share before production dropped sharply in 2021 to 189,000 tonnes and rebounded gradually through 2023. Throughout the decade, Africa’s share of global honey production increased from 10.04% to 11.78%, reflecting growing competitiveness, though year-to-year variability suggests sensitivity to factors such as climate, investment, and market access. Overall, the data highlight both the sector’s growth potential and the need for strategies to stabilize production and maintain higher market shares.

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Table 1.2: Top 10 Honey Producing Countries in Africa 

Ethiopia leads Africa in honey production with 84,591 tonnes. Following Ethiopia, the United Republic of Tanzania ranks second with 31,613 tonnes, while Angola comes third with 23,459 tonnes. Together, the top 10 honey-producing countries in Africa produced a total of 202,297 tonnes, accounting for 91% of the continent’s total honey output. 

Market Drivers Fueling Growth 

Several trends are driving renewed interest in African honey: 

Health Consciousness: Consumers globally are moving away from refined sugar, turning instead to raw, organic honey as a healthier alternative. 
Government and NGO Support: Beekeeping initiatives are increasingly seen as tools to boost rural incomes and biodiversity. 
  • Sustainability: Honey production requires minimal land and supports pollination, making it a climate-smart agricultural activity. 
  • Value Addition: Beyond honey, there is growing demand for beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and cosmetics made from bee products. 

Looking ahead, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers promising opportunities to expand regional trade in honey and bee products. At the same time, emerging technologies such as smart hives and blockchain traceability are revolutionizing production and marketing practices. With growing global demand for natural, sustainable, certified organic, and specialty honeys, Africa’s honey sector stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, ready for significant growth. 

Thanks to its rich natural resources, increasing production capacity, and favorable market trends, the continent is well-positioned to become a leading player in the global honey market. However, unlocking this full potential will require strategic investments in technology, climate resilience, value addition, and regional trade integration. By embracing these opportunities, Africa can empower local communities, strengthen rural economies, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across the continent.