Apitrade Africa at Apimondia

The new network for trade of African honey, ApiTrade Africa, was presented for the first time at the APIMONDIA Congress in Melbourne.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Harun Baiya, and the Secretary, Mr Bosco Okello were present, and ApiTrade Africa had an attractive display stand within ApiExpo. Bosco Okello delivered a presentation about the new network. These activities created much interest with African participants keen to join. On the final day of the Congress, Vita (Europe) Ltd sponsored a reception for 150 delegates on behalf of both Bees for Development Trust and ApiTrade Africa.

What did we learn?

- Apilrade Africa needs a Secretariat.

- There is plenty of interest from new participants to attend ApiTrade Africa's next meeting, planned for February 2008 in Nairobi.

Background: Prior to the Apimondia Congress in Dublin 2005, Bees for Development organised a Workshop to consider issues surrounding trade in African honey. An outcome from that Workshop was a resolution to create a new network to enable linkages to be made between producer groups and honey traders, both inside Africa and beyond. Two subsequent meetings of the groups have been held, and an interim task force has been established. The network has chosen the title ApiTrade Africa. Proceedings from BfD Honey Trade Workshops are available on the BfD website and for purchase on CD.