Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has released the results of laboratory tests conducted on honey samples sent to an internationally accredited laboratory in Germany, indicating that 96 per cent of the samples complied with global quality standards.
The outcome clears the way for Tanzania to maintain access to the European Union (EU) market, allowing the country to continue exporting honey to European countries.
TFS Commissioner of Conservation, Prof Dos Santos Silayo, made the remarks during the fourth meeting of TFS leaders and station commanders, which began on February 18 and is expected to conclude on February 23, 2026, in Morogoro Region.
The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Chande, who represented the Minister, Dr Ashatu Kijaji.
Prof Silayo said the agency has continued to prioritise the development of beekeeping, noting that the country has abundant resources for the production of bee products.
He explained that, to ensure quality, the agency conducts specialised tests every year in internationally accredited laboratories to demonstrate the high standards of Tanzanian honey.
He said 70 honey samples were collected from 34 districts and sent to a laboratory in Germany for analysis. The results showed that 96 per cent of the samples met international quality standards, enabling Tanzania to continue exporting honey to the European Union market.
“Our country has the opportunity to access the European Union market and other international markets because 96 per cent of our honey has been proven globally to meet high-quality standards. This shows we are performing well in terms of quality,” said Prof Silayo.
He also urged honey producers to avoid processing honey using non-standard equipment and storing it in low-quality containers and instead maintain the required quality standards.
Prof Silayo further emphasised the need to promote the establishment of small, medium and large honey processing industries, noting that the country currently has 97 medium and large processing factories.
He added that, in efforts to add value to beekeeping, the agency is finalising the construction of a new honey processing factory in Nzega, Tabora Region and rehabilitating two others in Manyoni District and at the Sao Hill tree plantation in Mafinga District.
Meanwhile, he said the agency has increased the production of bee products to an average of 33,861 tonnes from 31,179 tonnes, equivalent to an eight per cent increase, while honey exports have reached 9,500 tonnes valued at 93.3bn/-.
On his part, TFS Board Chairperson, Retired Lieutenant Chiku Gallawa, said the agency will continue to promote the sustainable use of forest resources to increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
