GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS PROGRAMME (GMAP) in Ethiopia: Facilitated and Secured Business Agreements for 90 Tons of Quality Honey and Beeswax aimed for International Market Export
Jimma, Ethiopia, 26 – 27 April 2024: The Global Market Access Programme (GMAP) in Ethiopia is happy to announce significant progresses in strengthening the quality compliance capacity of the honey value chain for enhanced market access. In this regard, a Business Agreements Signing ceremony, as well as the Handing-over of Beekeepers accessories took place on 26 – 27 April 2024, in Jimma, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
The GMAP in Ethiopia aims at ensuring compliance with international standards, improving honey products quality, facilitating business linkages, and sustaining project results throughout the honey value chain. Over the past six months, the project has achieved remarkable milestones.
The Business Agreements signing Ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the project's implementation journey. Notably, agreements for nearly 90 tons of quality honey and beeswax, for exporting to the international market, were signed between three processors and beekeepers’ community in Gera woreda (Jimma zone), underscoring the tangible outcomes of collaborative efforts.
Furthermore, the handing-over of beekeeper’s accessories highlighted the commitment to further empower Ethiopia's beekeeping community. Following intensive training sessions, essential beekeeping accessories have been procured and distributed to the lead beekeepers from the Jimma, Illubabor, and Bedele zones, demonstrating tangible support for sustainable quality beekeeping practices.
H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, and H.E. Mr. Endalew Mekonen, State Minister, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders for their dedication and collaboration. “The GMAP Ethiopia project is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade to promote a sustainable honey-producing industry. The project has been launched at the right time and is aligned with the government's overarching objectives, prioritizing environmentally responsible practices that benefit both communities and the environment.” remarked H.E. Dr. Fikru Regasse.
Mr. Yusuf Sharo, Administrator of Jimma Zone, expressed profound optimism as he unveiled the remarkable growth trajectory of the region's honey exports. "In the heartlands of Oromia, where coffee once reigned supreme, we look forward to diversifying our harvest." stated Mr. Sharo. "From 15 tons in 2023 to an astounding 90 tons in the first two quarters of 2024, the honey of Jimma Zone flows forth, a testament to our resilience and the boundless potential of our land."
Furthermore, H.E. Ms. Aurelia Patrizia Calabrò, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Representative and Director of the UNIDO Regional Office Hub in Ethiopia, expressed her enthusiasm for the project's progress, stating, "The Global Market Access Programme in Ethiopia is a great example of the impactful collaboration between UNIDO and local stakeholders. We are very happy to witness these positive transformations within the honey value chain, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and enhanced market access”. She also added: “A special thank goes to the donor, Norad (Norway), for their generous contribution in favour of the Ethiopian honey value chain development."
The GMAP project remains committed to driving positive changes within the honey value chain in Ethiopia.
For details, please contact:
Mr. Cong Wu, Project Manager, at c.wu [at] unido.org
Mr. Solomon Mengesha Kajela, National Honey Value Chain Expert, at s.kajela [at] unido.org
