East African Honey: A Rising Star in the Global Honey Market

Top 6 Honey-Producing Countries in Africa (Production in Tones)

Ethiopia – 45,000-50,000 tonnes/year

1. • As Africa’s largest honey producer, Ethiopia accounts for nearly 24% of the continent’s total honey output. Known for its high-quality organic honey, the country benefits from a diverse range of floral sources, producing some of the finest honey in Africa. Ethiopian honey is especially popular in international markets for its purity and distinctive flavors.

Tanzania – 30,000 tonnes/year

1. • Tanzania is renowned for producing forest and savannah honeys. Its long-standing beekeeping traditions, combined with expansive, pesticide-free natural environments, have made Tanzanian honey a staple in both local and export markets. Forest honey, with its dark color and robust flavor, is particularly prized for its medicinal qualities.

1. Kenya – 25,000 tonnes/year

   • Kenya’s honey industry is thriving, with diverse climatic regions contributing to the production of premium honey varieties. The arid and semi-arid areas in particular provide a unique, rich, and robust honey from indigenous plants like acacia. Kenyan honey is growing in demand for both domestic consumption and export, especially in Europe.

3. Uganda – 12,000-15,000 tonnes/year

   • Uganda is steadily increasing its honey production. Small-scale, traditional beekeeping practices, particularly in the northern and western regions, produce organic honey that is sought after for its purity. The Ugandan government has invested in modern beekeeping practices, further boosting the country’s output.

4. Rwanda – 4,500-5,000 tonnes/year

   • Rwanda is emerging as a notable honey producer, despite its smaller size compared to neighbouring countries. The country's honey is highly regarded for being organic, harvested in pesticide-free regions like Nyungwe Forest and the Eastern Province. Rwandan honey’s clean, distinct flavours and sustainable production make it a growing contender in both regional and international markets.

5. Zambia – 2,200 tonnes/year

   • Zambia specializes in organic, forest-derived honey, harvested from indigenous trees. Zambian honey is known for its darker colour and full-bodied flavours, which are highly valued in international markets for their distinctiveness and premium quality.

Export Markets for African Honey

East African honey has found markets around the world, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The high demand for organic, raw, and specialty honey products has seen African honey exported to countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. In these regions, honey is used not just as a sweetener, but also for its medicinal properties and in high-end culinary dishes.