PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has directed the Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS) to establish a national beekeeping estate to help local beekeepers commercialize their activities and tap into global markets.

Officiating at the World Bee Day national event here yesterday, he also instructed the agency to launch a project that will supply modern beehives to local apiarists at affordable prices.

He referred to tireless efforts to open up international markets for local honey and other bee products, insisting that what’s needed now is increased production and quality. TFS needs to build a national warehouse for proper storage and preservation of honey, in line with international standards, he said, underlining that “as we seek larger markets abroad it is vital to ensure we have the facilities in place to maintain the quality of our products.”

He tasked the Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF) with designing a support programme for beekeepers to acquire modern tools and equipment, like beehives and honey-processing equipment.

“Many local beekeepers lack the capital to invest in modern tools. This support will help them scale their operations and improve quality,” he said, also demanding that the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) intensify research in the beekeeping sector to help improve productivity and sustainability.

“Beekeeping is a sector that depends heavily on innovation and data. TAFORI must conduct regular research that directly supports the work of local beekeepers,” he specified.

TAFORI and TFS similarly need to establish branches in regions and districts across the country to provide technical and logistical support to beekeepers, he further instructed.

“The government is fully committed to growing Tanzania’s beekeeping sector through ecological preservation, research and supportive policies,” he said.

The premier launched the National Beekeeping Strategy 2025–2035, geared to boosting honey production, expanding opportunities in the sector.

Dr Pindi Chana, the Natural Resources and Tourism minister, said the strategy targets an increase in annual honey production from 34,861 tonnes at present to 75,000 tonnes by 2035.

The initiative is projected to create 43,550 new jobs, particularly by engaging the youth and women in value-added activities throughout the apiculture value chain, she said.

This year’s World Bee Day was marked under the theme "Bees for Life and a Strong Economy," attracting stakeholders from across the country and abroad, officials indicated.