Honey Exports: Significant Increase in Production and Revenue
Tanzania has achieved remarkable growth in its apiculture sector, generating 69.1 billion shillings from honey exports between 2021 and 2024. The country exported a total of 6,016.67 tonnes of honey, with an average of 1,504.17 tonnes per year. The increase in honey production and export was attributed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to boost the sector, alongside contributions from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS), and other stakeholders.
During this period, Tanzania produced 128,588 tonnes of honey and 7,615 tonnes of wax. The country’s honey production saw a growth of at least 2,097 tonnes, from 31,179 tonnes in 2021 to 33,276 tonnes in 2024. The quality of Tanzanian honey has been globally recognized, with honey from the Tabora region securing second place in a competition held in South Africa in 2023.
The country’s major export markets for honey include Germany, Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, the UK, and several other countries, contributing to the increase in foreign exchange revenue and strengthening the domestic economy.
Avocado Exports Surge: Market Expansion and Revenue Growth
In addition to honey, Tanzania’s avocado exports have seen a remarkable 74% rise, with exports growing from 15,432 tonnes in 2021 to 26,826 tonnes in 2023. This surge in avocado exports has significantly boosted Tanzania’s economy, with avocado revenue rising from $44.3 million in 2021 to $77.3 million in 2023. The country’s avocado production grew by 20% annually over the past five years, with projections indicating that avocado exports will reach 31,950 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season.
Tanzania’s main export markets for avocados include Europe (40%), India (30%), and the Middle East (19%), while other countries like China, South Africa, and Kenya account for the remaining share. The Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) has played a crucial role in driving the growth of the avocado industry by providing training to farmers, improving market access, and facilitating logistics through TAHA Fresh.
TAHA has also set its sights on expanding the country’s horticultural sector, with initiatives like the Horticultural Exports Acceleration Program (HEAP) focusing on markets such as the UK. In addition, TAHA is investing in new value chains like macadamia, oranges, and sweet melons, aiming to increase the sector’s contribution to Tanzania’s overall export value.
With strategic investments, infrastructure improvements, and new markets such as China, India, and the UAE, Tanzania’s horticultural industry is on track to become a major player in the global market, potentially contributing $714 million by 2030 from avocado exports alone.