Rwanda’s beekeeping sector is poised for growth as international demand for premium honey increases. In rural areas, beekeepers carefully position hives to produce high-quality honey, with many relying on the industry as a livelihood and tradition. However, accessing global markets has proven challenging due to the need for consistent supply, quality standards, and partnerships.

The UK market, in particular, presents an opportunity for Rwandan honey, with consumers increasingly seeking traceable, wellness-oriented products. BEEyond Honey, a UK-based brand founded by Adowa Koren Dejean-Lynch, is working to bridge the gap between Rwandan producers and international consumers. The brand infuses honey with botanicals and spices, positioning it as a premium product that combines African and Caribbean traditions with UK consumer expectations.

Dejean-Lynch, a Black British entrepreneur with roots in Rwanda, emphasizes the importance of respecting the cultural heritage and traditions surrounding honey production. “The honey we use has to meet specific quality standards before any infusion takes place,” she explains. “The process is about respect for the bees, the beekeepers, and the traditions that inform how honey has been used across African and Caribbean cultures.”

BEEyond Honey’s approach has gained recognition, including a PAWES Award for Excellence in the Agriculture Sector. The brand’s success highlights the potential for African-origin products to compete in premium markets when they are allowed to carry their full cultural and intellectual value.

The company plans to establish manufacturing facilities in Rwanda and the UK, as well as women-focused beekeeping hubs. This initiative could have significant implications for the local economy, allowing more value to be retained within Rwanda and providing stable incomes and skills for women beekeepers.

The journey of Rwandan honey into the UK market offers lessons for the country’s agri-exports. Strategic branding, diaspora engagement, and cultural storytelling can open pathways into markets where price is shaped by meaning as much as supply. Policymakers and development actors must support agriculture beyond production, including branding, quality standards, and market connections.

For Rwandan beekeepers and smallholder producers, investing in quality, adopting consistent standards, and engaging with partners can grow exports, create employment, and establish Rwanda as a source of premium, ethically produced honey. This approach can be applied to other value-added agricultural products, strengthening Rwanda’s position in global agri-exports.