ApiTrade Africa in Arusha
ApiTrade Africa is an emerging network dedicated to promoting trade in African honey and other bee products. A Task Force formed at the Bees for Development Second African Honey Trade Workshop in Kampala in 2006 took on the job of setting up the organisation and directing its development and work. In February 2007 the Task Force met in Arusha to tackle an agenda including work on the constitution, developing a medium-term strategy and work plan.
At the meeting in Arusha it was decided that the new organisation would take on the form of a Network. Membership will be open to any registered company or producer association which shares the organisation\'s overall objective of promoting the African honey trade, and meets certain standards in terms of ethical business practice. The membership application procedure has not yet been finalised but interested stakeholders are advised to keep reading Bees for Development Journal in order to stay up to date with ApiTrade Africa\'s progress.
The motivation for the ApiTrade Africa Network is the understanding that the potential of the apiculture industry in Africa is far from being realised. The aims of the Network are to promote African honey, address barriers that hinder access to wider markets, and ultimately unlock the potential of the apiculture industry to benefit people in Africa.
Bees for Development would like to thank the Tanzanian Forestry and Beekeeping Division for their kind hospitality in hosting the Arusha meeting, and for providing highly efficient logistical support
ApiTrade Africa at Apimondia
ApiTrade Africa\'s first exposure to the international community was at the Apimondia International Apicultural Congress that took place in Melbourne, Australia in September 2007. The Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Harun Baiya, and the Secretary Mr Bosco Okello were present.
ApiTrade Africa had an attractive display stand within ApiExpo, and Bosco Okello delivered a presentation about the new network. These activities created much interest with African participants keen to join. In addition on the final day of the Congress, Vita Europe Ltd sponsored a reception for 150 delegates on behalf of both Bees for Development Trust and ApiTrade Africa.
What did we learn?
First published in Bees for Development Journal #83 and 85