Luano Honey Secures 8.5 Million Kwacha Grant from USAID to Expand Production and Export
Luano Honey has been awarded an 8.5 million Kwacha grant by USAID to enhance its production and export capabilities. The grant, provided through the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Southern Africa Buy-in Activity, aims to bolster the quality and quantity of honey production, positioning Luano Honey for significant growth in the international market.
USAID Zambia’s Senior Agriculture and Trade Specialist, Mlotha Damaseke, highlighted the pivotal role of Zambia’s private sector in driving inclusive growth, especially in rural areas.
He commended Luano Honey for its model approach, sourcing honey from rural beekeepers and processing it for both local and U.S. markets.
Damaseke noted that the grant will facilitate major upgrades at Luano Honey’s factory, including the installation of state-of-the-art honey processing and automated packaging equipment. These improvements are expected to increase production from 40 to 240 metric tons annually.
Additionally, the support will enable Luano Honey to expand its honey exports to the United States under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Zambia benefits from AGOA’s duty-free access for over 6,500 products, which has significantly boosted its export potential. Damaseke emphasized that Zambia’s exports to the U.S. under AGOA include a diverse array of products such as honey, handicrafts, essential oils, and gemstones.
The global honey market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 percent, presenting lucrative opportunities for Zambian honey producers.
Damaseke reiterated USAID’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic transformation and job creation initiatives. He praised Luano Honey’s collaboration with USAID to enhance export competitiveness and expand into the U.S. market.
The handover ceremony in Lusaka was graced by Ministry of Commerce and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya, who endorsed initiatives aimed at boosting exports. Ashu Sagar, President of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), also highlighted the growth potential within the honey industry.
Miit Pandoliker, Managing Director of Luano Honey, expressed deep gratitude to USAID for the grant, which he believes will significantly enhance productivity and export capabilities. The announcement was shared by Proudly Zambian Campaign National Coordinator Sopani Mzumara.
