Buzzing Forward: Africa Leads the Way in Global Honey Production on World Bee Day 2025
Written By Maxine Ansah
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Jimma, Ethiopia – As the world marked World Bee Day 2025 on 20 May, Africa emerged as a global leader in honey production growth. This highlights the continent’s growing potential in sustainable beekeeping and pollinator conservation. Hosted in Jimma by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, this year’s celebration also launched the Second International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination.
Themed “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, the event drew attention to the indispensable role of bees and other pollinators such as butterflies, birds and bats in sustaining ecosystems and agrifood systems. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), nearly 90 percent of flowering plants and 75 percent of key food crops rely on pollinators.
Speaking via video at the global event, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu praised pollinators as “silent heroes” and underscored their immense economic value. “Without them, we would lose up to eight percent of global crop production, worth around USD 577 billion annually. These figures are not just numbers. They represent the jobs, livelihoods, medicines and foods needed by people around the world,” he said.
Africa’s Sweet Surge
New FAO data reveals that global honey production reached 1.894 million tonnes in 2023. Africa now accounts for 12 percent of this, producing approximately 223,000 tonnes each year. This marks the highest growth rate globally. Ethiopia stands out as the continent’s largest honey producer and ranks tenth in the world. It is followed by countries including Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The choice of Ethiopia as the host country for this year’s global event recognises its strong tradition of beekeeping as well as its role in leading the continent’s honey boom.
“We are pleased to celebrate this event, a vital platform for Ethiopia to identify challenges and draft solutions for our agricultural sector,” said Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Girma Amente. He called upon stakeholders to safeguard pollinators and promote sustainable beekeeping. He also praised FAO’s ongoing support.
Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, pointed to the resilience of African honeybees. “African honeybees have shown remarkable resilience against parasites and pathogens that cause significant losses elsewhere. African beeswax often has low pesticide contamination, which positions African beekeeping uniquely to benefit from organic and fair-trade niche markets,” he said.
He also highlighted how traditional beekeeping practices across Africa can serve as a foundation for locally adapted, sustainable models that support rural livelihoods and biodiversity.
Beyond the Hive: Bees as Teachers
In a video message, Mateja Calusic, Slovenia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, reflected on the symbolic value of bees amid today’s global challenges. “At a time when the world is shaken by war, climate change and food crises, bees teach us precious lessons. They work in silence, yet with perfect coordination. They are small, yet their impact is enormous,” she said.
Slovenia was the country behind the original UN proposal to establish World Bee Day in 2017. This move recognised the critical role of bees in sustainable agriculture and environmental balance.
The Jimma event also featured a photo exhibition and the screening of Asali: The Power of the Pollinators, an animated film designed to engage youth in the importance of protecting pollinators.
Forum for the Future of Beekeeping
Coinciding with World Bee Day, the Second International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination opened in Jimma. The forum is co-organised by Ethiopia, Slovenia, FAO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia). It brings together policymakers, experts and beekeepers from around the world.
Two high-level panel discussions are scheduled. One focuses on beekeeping’s role in enhancing food security and livelihoods. The other addresses international action and cooperation. Keynote speakers include Jeff Pettis, President of Apimondia, and Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Director at Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
In follow-up sessions, young Ethiopian beekeepers and farmers will share their personal experiences and challenges. Global experts will also present strategies for pollinator protection and sustainable agriculture.
Looking Ahead
This year’s event also coincides with FAO’s 80th anniversary. Director-General Qu Dongyu used the occasion to thank Ethiopia, Slovenia and all partners for their support and commitment. “This forum is an opportunity for us to share knowledge, build stronger partnerships and work together towards a future where bees and other pollinators are protected, agriculture is sustainable and food security is ensured,” he said.
With Africa now at the forefront of honey production growth and sustainable beekeeping, the continent has a unique opportunity to lead global efforts in biodiversity protection and climate-resilient agriculture. All of this is inspired by nature’s most industrious and essential workers.
