Over 7,000 participants from 121 countries attended the 2025 Apimondia Congress.
Apimondia 2025, the world’s largest gathering of beekeeping professionals, brought together more than 7,000 scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders from 121 countries. The event was hosted jointly by Denmark, Sweden, and Norway under the theme “Bee Engaged: Building Global Solidarity Through Apiculture.”
The congress featured scientific presentations, cultural exhibitions, and trade showcases. Dr Jeff Pettis, President of Apimondia, and David Mukomana, Regional Commissioner for Africa, led the meeting.
Charlene Ruto, founder of the SMACHS Foundation, described the event as deeply inspiring.
“The International Meeting of Beekeepers was one for the books. As a newbie to the Apimondia Congress, it was my honour to be among young people representing the beekeeping value chain. The innovations, creativity, and honey tasting took me back to the first time I opened a hive and fell in love with bees,” she said.
Her participation boosted Kenya’s profile while creating opportunities for young farmers back home. She promised to share knowledge gained at the congress with local beekeepers to modernise production and expand markets.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Africa produces 223,000 tonnes of honey annually, accounting for about 12% of global output. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya are emerging leaders in both domestic and international honey markets.
In Kenya, demand for natural honey and pollination services has driven steady growth, making the sector critical for food security. However, challenges remain, including traditional low-yield methods, lack of traceability, pesticide use, and limited access to financing.
One of the major concerns raised at Apimondia was honey adulteration, which hurts small-scale producers. Delegates called for: Stronger traceability systems, Stricter trade rules, Better testing laboratories
These reforms, they argued, would protect genuine beekeepers and open premium markets, especially for African honey.
Despite the challenges, Kenya has strong potential in the global honey value chain. By adopting modern techniques, enforcing quality standards, and supporting farmers with finance and training, the country can secure its place in international markets.
Charlene Ruto summed up the optimism:
“The future is bright and buzzing for young people in the apiculture sector. With collaboration, innovation, and determination, we can build a sustainable and thriving honey industry that benefits communities across Africa.”
