Malawi was part of a powerful continental conversation on the future of beekeeping as the Malawi Bee Products Association (MBPA) participated in the 4th Africa Apimondia Symposium, held from 25–28 August 2026 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Uganda. Held under the theme “Beekeeping for Business and Livelihoods,” the symposium brought together more than 400 participants from 22 countries, including beekeepers, researchers, businesses, policymakers and development partners.
Represented by the MBPA Board Chairperson and National Coordinator, Malawi used the opportunity to learn, connect and reflect on the enormous potential of its own bee industry. The symposium went beyond honey. Discussions explored pollination, safe use of agrochemicals, stingless bees, nature-based beekeeping, apitherapy, export markets and the contribution of bees to livelihoods.
For MBPA, the experience was particularly valuable because of the opportunity to learn from African counterparts, including Uganda’s TUNADO, Bees for Development programmes in Ethiopia and Ghana, and Working for Bees in Zimbabwe. Uganda’s experience demonstrated how strong sector organization and coordination can help create visibility, partnerships and opportunities for the apiculture industry.
Yet Malawi also left with an important reflection: our knowledge must be documented and shared. With no Malawian paper presentation at the symposium, the need to strengthen research, publication and knowledge-sharing in apiculture became clear.
The message from Kampala is simple: Malawi has bees, potential and hardworking producers. Now we must strengthen the systems, evidence, partnerships and investment needed to turn that potential into a stronger, more profitable and sustainable bee industry. 🐝🌿
