ZIMBABWE has taken a major step towards expanding access to international markets, particularly Europe, for its honey industry with the commissioning of a specialised Honey Testing and Profiling Laboratory.
The state-of-the-art facility, commissioned on Wednesday, was established under the Zimbabwe Bee for Economic Empowerment (Zim-BEE) Project, a €1,5 million initiative funded through the Trade Capacity-Building Programme of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The project is implemented by Expertise France in partnership with ZimTrade.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), the laboratory will be managed by the department as the national competent authority, providing testing services that meet international market requirements.
The facility will offer a range of analytical services, including pesticide residue analysis, honey adulteration detection, botanical and geographical origin verification, and comprehensive quality profiling in line with Codex Alimentarius standards.
These services are expected to strengthen consumer confidence, improve product traceability and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean honey in regional and global markets.
Speaking on the development, ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru said transparency and traceability had become increasingly important in the global honey trade.
"International buyers no longer rely solely on general quality assurances but require certified laboratory reports that verify product integrity," Majuru said.
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"The establishment of this laboratory will enable locally produced honey to meet the requirements of major international markets while supporting rural communities to participate more effectively in global trade."
Since its launch on March 3, 2025, the Zim-BEE Project has made significant progress in strengthening Zimbabwe's honey value chain.
The initiative has supported more than 650 beekeepers across production clusters in Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East and Manicaland through training in modern apiculture techniques and business management, the provision of improved beekeeping equipment, and the promotion of sustainable, climate-smart honey production practices.
The commissioning of the laboratory marks a significant milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe's national quality infrastructure.
By providing internationally recognised testing and certification services, the facility is expected to support increased honey exports, boost confidence in Zimbabwean products and improve incomes and livelihoods for local beekeeping communities.
AFD project manager for Zimbabwe, Lou Cambarrat-Roux, said the project demonstrated the potential of the honey sector to drive economic resilience and sustainable development.
"Through this grant, AFD is proud to support the Zimbabwean honey sector, which has a strong capacity to be a lever for economic resilience and development,” Cambarrat-Roux said.
Lou Cambarrat-Roux said the Zim-BEE Project highlighted the “importance of building sustainable value chains, paving the way for future high-impact commercial partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for both people and the planet.”
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