First National Malawi Honey Show brings beekeepers from across Malawi together

Bees for Development in partnership with GiZ Malawi and Winrock International hosted the first National Malawi Honey Show on 7 – 8 November 2024. The vibrant event brought over 70 beekeepers representing beekeeping cooperatives, associations, processors, honey buyers and equipment suppliers together for a trade show and two days of discussions and workshops.

Day one included a honey trade show opened by Mr Owen Kumwenda, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Northern Malawi. He spoke about the potential of the beekeeping industry. Bee suppliers showcased bee hives, bee suits, and processing equipment.

Beekeepers displayed their bee products including beeswax candles, honey wine and honey from Blantyre to Nyika National Park and competed for the best display. Judges awarded Kwithu Kitchens, a honey processor from Mzuzu, first place for their wide range of honey with innovative product branding distinguishing different honey by region and floral source.

In the afternoon, beekeepers took part in a panel discussion about the honey value chain and challenges facing the industry. Key challenges include lack of information about honey production and fair pricing in Malawi which creates division between producers and honey buyers. Participants suggested possible solutions including a new honey value chain assessment to answer the questions of production and processing/marketing costs.

The second day focused on how a national beekeeping body can lead the industry. Dickson Biryomumaisho, Executive Director of The Uganda National Apiculture Organisation (TUNADO), talked about their success, their organisational structure, and how Malawi can build its own vibrant national association. The Malawi Bee Products Association (MBPA) presented on their strategy to become the national beekeeping body, including meetings around the country to elect regional directors for the Board. Further discussions and a workshop provided the opportunity for beekeepers to discuss what they need from an association and how an association can effectively support beekeepers. Topics that came up included regional representation on the Board of Directors and direct financial contribution of members to organising regional meetings.

The MBPA will hold regional meetings over the next months to establish a representative Board of Directors, followed by an Annual General Meeting next year. The association will develop a low cost, but impactful membership package, to increase members and reach across Malawi.

Bees for Development will continue to connect beekeepers across Malawi. Events such as these provide the opportunity for beekeepers to make new contacts, create business opportunities and knowledge share – essential for industry growth.

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