Malawi’s agriculture sector is set for transformation as Zortrax Honey Malawi rolls out an ambitious beekeeping initiative targeting one million farmers, a move expected to boost rural incomes and strengthen the country’s export-driven economy.

The company’s Southern Africa Expansion and Investment Director, Zahra Zianab Ibrahim, confirmed the development, saying the initiative aims to position Malawi as a major contributor to global honey production.

“Through this initiative, Malawi will become a global key player in honey production, while empowering local farmers with sustainable income opportunities,” Ibrahim said.

She explained that the company plans to integrate up to one million farmers into its production system by providing modern beehives and practical skills in apiary management to ensure quality and efficiency.

“We are targeting one million farmers who will be incorporated into our system, where we will provide them with hives and the necessary skills to manage apiaries, and in turn purchase their products such as pollen, wax, and honey,” she said.

Ibrahim added that the company already operates thousands of hives across tropical regions using a combination of company-owned farms and vetted subcontracted farmers, a model it intends to replicate locally.

“Our honey is sourced from tropical countries, and we are managing thousands of hives through both owned farms and vetted subcontracted farmers, ensuring consistent quality and supply,” she said.

Beyond beekeeping, the firm also plans to expand into climate-smart agriculture to improve productivity and resilience among farmers facing unpredictable weather conditions.

Apiculture expert Hastings Molande said the project could significantly transform the country’s agricultural landscape if implemented effectively.

“This project has the potential to diversify Malawi’s agricultural exports, create rural employment, and increase foreign exchange earnings if implemented successfully at scale,” Molande said.

Molande further called for increased investment and deliberate efforts to fully harness the country’s beekeeping potential.

“There is a need for more investment in the beekeeping sector and the realization of its full potential through value addition, improved market access, and stronger support systems for farmers across the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Beekeepers Producers Association has welcomed the growing investment in the sector, describing beekeeping as a critical driver of economic development and environmental sustainability.

The association further stressed that stronger collaboration among industry players is necessary to unlock the sector’s full potential and expand market opportunities for farmers nationwide.

Zortrax Honey Group, the parent company of Zortrax Honey Malawi, operates in more than 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe through both direct and indirect honey distribution networks.