Tanzania Loses Prestigious International Beekeeping Congress, Highlighting Challenges in Event Infrastructure
Tanzania has unexpectedly lost the hosting rights for the 50th International Apicultural Congress (Apimondia 2027), which was originally scheduled to take place in Arusha. The global beekeeping event, anticipated to attract over 7,000 delegates, will now be relocated to the United Arab Emirates.
The decision comes after a critical inspection revealed inadequate facilities for hosting the international conference. Originally selected in 2023, Tanzania would have been only the second African nation to host this prestigious event since South Africa in 2001.
The loss represents a significant setback for Tanzania’s beekeeping ambitions. The country had already prepared over two million beehives distributed to 120,000 youths, intending to showcase its potential as a global beekeeping leader. With nearly 10 million honeybee colonies and an annual honey production of 35,000 tonnes, Tanzania ranks 14th globally and second in Africa.
Local stakeholders expressed disappointment, viewing the relocation as a missed opportunity to highlight Tanzania’s apiculture sector and attract international investment. The event would have served as a crucial platform to demonstrate the country’s sustainable beekeeping practices and youth-centered agricultural initiatives.
Despite this setback, industry experts remain optimistic about Tanzania’s apiculture potential. The sector continues to play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Potential honey production remains promising, with experts suggesting that Tanzania’s 9.2 million bee colonies could potentially yield up to 135,000 tonnes of honey annually if fully developed.
The government is now urged to more closely pursue and protect such international opportunities to support the country’s agricultural and economic development strategies.
