Africa leads growth in honey production

On World Bee Day 2025, celebrated on May 20, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reinforced the strategic role of bees and other pollinators in global food security. With the theme “Feed us with inspiration from nature”, this year’s edition highlighted the contribution of more than 20 species of pollinators – including bees, butterflies, birds and bats – to agricultural production and the maintenance of ecosystems.

During a ceremony held in Jimma, Ethiopia, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu called pollinators “silent heroes” and warned of the risks that threaten these species, such as habitat loss, inappropriate use of pesticides, climate change and parasites. “Without pollinators, we could lose up to 8% of global agricultural production, equivalent to US$577 billion per year. This directly affects jobs, incomes and the supply of food and medicine,” he said.

Today, about 90% of flowering plants and 75% of the world's major food crops depend on pollination.

Africa in the spotlight

Global honey production reached 1,89 million tons in 2023, with Africa recording the highest growth rate. The continent accounts for 12% of global production, with Ethiopia standing out as the largest African producer and tenth in the global ranking. Other countries with significant production are Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Central African Republic.

For FAO Regional Director for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, African beekeeping has great potential. “African bees demonstrate resilience in the face of pests and diseases, and the honey and wax they produce have low levels of chemical residues. This opens doors to niche markets such as organic and fair trade,” he highlighted.

Slovenian Agriculture Minister Mateja Calusic recalled that the date was established by the UN in 2017 on her country’s initiative. In an official message, she highlighted the importance of traditional beekeeping in Africa: “In times of crisis, bees teach us about collaboration, balance and collective impact.”

International forum proposes joint actions

The celebration also marked the beginning of the 2nd International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination, organized by Ethiopia, Slovenia, FAO, UNIDO and Apimondia. The event proposed the exchange of knowledge, promotion of good beekeeping practices and articulation of public policies to protect pollinators on a global scale.

The program included two main panels. The first discussed the role of beekeeping in food security and income generation, with a talk by Jeff Pettis, president of Apimondia. The second focused on international cooperation, with the participation of Brazilian Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The forum concluded with field visits to demonstrate sustainable beekeeping practices developed by young Ethiopian farmers.