SWAHILI Honey, a top supplier of premium honey in Tanzania and East Africa, has marked a significant achievement by exporting its first 20-ton shipment of organic honey to Japan. This milestone underscores its growing global presence and commitment to sustainable trade.

Founded in 2015, Swahili Honey empowers rural communities by supporting around 2,500 beekeepers across Njombe, Tabora, Kigoma, and Kahama. The company provides resources like modern beehives, market access, and training to ensure high-quality, internationally certified honey.

CEO Joseph Kadindula credits partnerships with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and companies like Nisshin Honey and Kawakami for advancing processing techniques and quality control. These collaborations have enabled Swahili Honey to achieve organic certification and premium pricing

The company’s dedication to quality includes a traceability system linking each honey batch to its origin, promoting consumer trust and eco-friendly practices. Beyond honey, Swahili Honey produces 500 tons of beeswax annually and explores other products like propolis and royal jelly.

Despite funding challenges, continued support from JICA and Japanese partners positions Swahili Honey for growth, benefiting Tanzanian beekeepers. Kadindula notes that higher incomes have improved beekeepers’ living standards, supported education, and enhanced farming investments, fostering community pride.

JICA CEO Hitoshi Ara highlights the collaboration as a model public-private partnership, showcasing how Japanese techniques adapted to Tanzanian conditions boost productivity and sustainability.

Tanzania’s beekeeping sector, vital to the economy and employing nearly two million people, contributes up to 33 percent of household income in forested regions. 

Yet, only 22 percent of the potential 138,000 tons of honey and 9,200 tons of beeswax is utilized. Swahili Honey's success demonstrates how strategic investments can unlock this potential and drive economic growth.

As Swahili Honey continues to innovate and build partnerships, it exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable practices and international collaboration, showcasing Tanzanian products on a global stage.