At 30 years old, Goitom Gebremedihin is not only a husband and father of one but also a fast-rising entrepreneur in his community of Mytsada Got,
Mysiye Kebele in Tahtay Maychew Woreda, Tigray. His story shows how determination, skills, and the right support can transform a livelihood.
From two hives to twelve
Goitom’s beekeeping journey began modestly with just two hives (one modern and one traditional). Through hard work, swarming, and small loans from friends and family, he gradually expanded to 12 hives (10 modern and 2 traditional) even before joining the MaYEA program. Though small in scale, this effort reflected his deep commitment to making beekeeping his livelihood.
Building skills and becoming a supplier
Once recruited by the MaYEA program in June 2024, Goitom attended six days of soft and core skill training, followed by a 10-day colony multiplication course. Equipped with new knowledge, he started multiplying colonies himself, while also engaging in colony trading.
He bought colonies for 1,000–2,500 ETB each and resold them at 3,500 ETB, making a steady profit. Altogether, he sold 20 colonies — six that he multiplied on his own and 14 that he purchased and resold.
The earnings enabled him to reinvest in his apiary, expanding his stock to 37 hives (25 modern and 12 traditional).
Goitom credits the training not only for teaching him colony multiplication but also for improving his overall management practices, from maintaining hive health to maximizing productivity.
Strong honey harvests and wax production
In just one year, Goitom harvested twice:
- First Harvest: 205 Kg
- Second Harvest: 75.5 Kg
Together, that totaled 280.5 kg of honey. Sold at 1,200 ETB per kilogram, his honey earned him 336,600 ETB — a clear sign that his efforts were paying off.
From his traditional hives, Goitom also began producing beeswax, which he uses to develop foundation sheets for new hives. On average, each new hive requires 2–3 kg of wax.
He estimates he has already used around 50 kg to support his own expansion, while also selling small quantities to neighbors starting their own apiaries.
This additional product not only diversifies his income but also strengthens local beekeeping efforts.
Diversifying into livestock
Not stopping at honey and wax, Goitom also invested in livestock fattening. With a digital loan of 93,500 ETB from Wegagen Bank, arranged through the Kifiya Financial Technology program, he purchased six goats at a cost of 43,500 ETB. Three months later, he sold them for 58,500 ETB, earning a gross income of 15,000 ETB. Recently, he reinvested by purchasing five more goats for 40,000 ETB, with plans to sell them when market prices are favorable.
Becoming a mentor to others
Recognizing his motivation and commitment to beekeeping, the MaYEA program assigned Goitom to serve as a Community-Based Beekeeping Mentor (CBBM). In this voluntary role, he supports more than 125 new beekeepers across two Gots, showing them how to multiply and transfer colonies, harvest effectively, and manage hives.
Depending on the urgency of the issue, he varies his approach, from weekly or monthly group discussions on seasonal topics to door-to-door visits for urgent challenges such as colony transfer or disease control. Beyond his own efforts, Goitom has also coached three successors to ensure continuity of mentoring support in his community.
A future full of possibilities
Goitom’s transformation is remarkable: from a daily laborer with two hives to a thriving beekeeper, honey and wax producer, colony supplier, livestock fattening entrepreneur, and mentor to more than 100 peers. His story is a living example of how opportunities, when matched with dedication, can multiply — just like his bees.
In Tahtay Maychew Woreda alone, The Well in Action (TWA), under the North and Northwest Sub-National Hub, trained 920 program participants in 2024 through the support of the Mastercard Foundation.
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