Zambian honey producer Wuchi Wami has attracted investment from Inside Capital Partners to expand its processing and packaging capacity, strengthen its retail business and increase the number of small-scale beekeepers supplying its operations.

The investment, reported by Dealroom News on 18 October 2026, supports a business model that connects rural beekeepers with formal retail and food manufacturing markets across Southern Africa. Wuchi Wami produces single-origin Miombo honey, sourcing from rural beekeepers organised into cooperatives before processing, packaging and selling the product.

The funding is intended to help the company handle greater volumes of honey, develop its branded and private-label businesses and expand its network of smallholder suppliers.

Wuchi Wami founder and managing director Harry Malichi said the partnership would help the company process more honey from its outgrower beekeepers, reach additional regional markets and maintain fair payments to producers.

For Zambia’s agricultural sector, the investment highlights the commercial potential of value addition beyond conventional crop and livestock production. Processing, packaging and branding can help local businesses move beyond selling unprocessed commodities and establish stronger relationships with retailers and food manufacturers.

Beekeeping can also provide income opportunities for rural communities, particularly where farmers combine honey production with other agricultural activities. However, the benefits depend on maintaining reliable supply, quality standards and access to buyers.

Wuchi Wami’s planned expansion could strengthen the connection between rural producers and regional markets. Its progress will also illustrate how investment in processing and market development can support smallholder participation in formal agricultural supply chains.