Arusha. Tanzania’s preparations to host the 2027 Apimondia International Apicultural Congress have received a boost, with a visit by the Executive Council of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations, who are in the country to assess progress and explore its tourism and conservation assets.
The delegation, together with members of the local organising committee, on Monday toured Tarangire National Park in Arusha Region as part of their official itinerary.
The visit aimed at familiarising the council with key locations and logistical arrangements in the lead-up to the global event.
Tarangire is among the sites expected to feature prominently in the congress itinerary, offering international delegates an opportunity to witness Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Speaking shortly after arriving at the park’s main gate, the Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Business Development at the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), Ms Beatrice Kessy, welcomed the visitors and described the park as an ecological treasure.
“Tarangire is widely known as the ‘Elephants’ Paradise’, thanks to its thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife. Among Tanzania’s 21 national parks, it ranks third in revenue generation, after Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. That revenue supports conservation across the entire parks network,” said Ms Kessy.
She revealed that plans are underway to upgrade infrastructure within and around the park in anticipation of a significant rise in tourist numbers during the 2027 Congress.
“We are improving access roads and enhancing visitor facilities to accommodate the expected influx. While rhinos are no longer found here, we are proud to host four of the Big Five, and the government is working on a long-term plan to reintroduce black rhinos,” she said.
Also addressing the delegation, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, CP Benedict Wakulyamba, said the government was still highly committed to delivering a world-class congress.
He said Tanzania is not only ready to host the event but also to use it as a platform to showcase the country’s vast potential in sustainable apiculture.
A Platform to Elevate Tanzania’s Honey Sector
Apimondia, established in 1895 and headquartered in Rome, Italy, is the world’s apex organisation for beekeepers, scientists, and apicultural professionals.
Its biennial congress attracts thousands of participants from across the globe, including researchers, policymakers, traders, and development partners.
The event serves as a major forum for the exchange of knowledge, innovations, and trade opportunities in the global honey industry.
Hosting it places Tanzania on a prestigious international platform and opens doors for local stakeholders to build networks, adopt improved practices, and tap into new export markets.
Tanzania ranks among Africa’s leading producers of natural honey, with annual production exceeding 30,000 metric tonnes.
The country’s beekeeping sector draws heavily from its vast forest reserves, especially in central and western Tanzania, and is largely organic in character.
However, despite its natural advantages, the sector remains underexploited due to challenges such as limited processing capacity, weak value addition, low international visibility, and fragmented market access.
The 2027 Congress could be a turning point.
Next Steps in the Lead-Up to 2027
The Executive Council is expected to continue with its technical inspection in Arusha and Dodoma, holding meetings with senior government officials, scientific institutions, and private sector representatives.
These engagements will help refine the country’s roadmap towards the successful hosting of the Congress.
Preparations are being coordinated through a multi-sectoral approach involving the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the mMinistry of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanapa, Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), research institutions, and beekeeper associations.
With the groundwork steadily advancing, the visit by the Apimondia Executive Council is widely seen as both a vote of confidence and a call to action for Tanzania to fully harness the transformative potential of hosting the world’s premier beekeeping forum.
