Luano Honey has received a Grant of 8.5 Million Kwacha from USAID to boost its production and export capabilities.
USAID Zambia’s Senior Agriculture and Trade Specialist, Mlotha Damaseke, emphasized the significance of Zambia’s private sector in propelling inclusive growth, particularly in rural areas, citing Luano Honey as an exemplary model.
Mr Damaseke highlighted that Luano Honey procures honey from rural beekeepers, processing it for both local consumption and the U.S. market.
He said the recent Grant awarded by the U.S. Government through the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-in Activity will empower Luano Honey to augment the quality and quantity of honey production.
Mr Damaseke said this includes upgrading its factory capacity by installing state-of-the-art honey processing and automated packaging equipment, consequently raising honey production from 40 to 240 metric tons annually.
He added that, with the support, Luano Honey is anticipated to expand its honey exports to the United States under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Mr Damaseke noted that Zambia is one of 32 Sub-Saharan African countries benefiting from duty-free access to the United States for over 6,500 products under AGOA.
He underscored Zambia’s amplified export potential since the inception of AGOA, emphasizing diversification beyond copper as the primary export.
Mr Damaseke revealed that Zambia’s exports to the United States under AGOA encompass a range of products such as honey, handicrafts, essential and natural oils, and gemstones.
He notes that the global honey market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 per cent.
Mr Damaseke reiterated the strong support extended by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for Zambia’s economic transformation and job creation initiatives.
He commended Luano Honey for its collaboration with USAID under the Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-in Activity to enhance export competitiveness and augment exports to the United States.
Gracing the occasion in Lusaka, Tuesday, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Permanent Secretary, Lillian Bwalya, expressed the government’s endorsement of initiatives geared towards increasing exports.
Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) president Ashu Sagar, placed emphasis on the potential for robust growth in the honey industry’s exports.
The Managing Director of Luano Honey, Miit Pandoliker, thanked USAID for the financial resources which he said will elevate productivity and enhance export capabilities.