Nigeria is set to benefit from increased participation in the global halal economy as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 is projected to generate $1.13 billion in trade value, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, has said.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Omar noted that MIHAS 2026 would provide a strategic platform for Nigerian exporters and businesses to showcase their products and tap into the rapidly expanding global halal market, valued at $3.5 trillion.
He explained that the 22nd edition of the global trade event, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and is scheduled to hold from September 23 to September 26 in Kuala Lumpur.
Described as the world’s largest halal trade exhibition, MIHAS will feature 14 key sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, modest fashion, and Islamic finance, among others.
Omar said the event is expected to host 2,380 exhibition booths and attract participants from 45 countries, reflecting its growing importance as a global gateway for halal-certified products and services.
According to him, MIHAS 2026 is coming at a time of increasing demand for transparent and efficient trade ecosystems, driven by global supply chain disruptions, market fragmentation, and rising operational costs.
Highlighting Malaysia’s leadership in the sector, the envoy disclosed that the country recorded $17.23 billion in halal exports in 2025, further strengthening its position in the global halal economy.
He also pointed to strengthening bilateral trade relations, noting that Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria rose by 20.7 per cent in 2025 to $664 million, while trade between both countries grew by 5.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.
Also speaking, the Trade Counsellor at the Malaysian High Commission, Jude Dass, said participation from Nigeria and the wider West African region is expected to increase significantly.
He revealed that eight Nigerian buyers and 21 buyers from across West Africa participated in MIHAS 2025 under the International Sourcing Programme.
Dass expressed optimism that Nigeria could feature prominently at MIHAS 2026, potentially through a consolidated national pavilion, enabling local businesses to benefit from the Hosted Buyer Programme.
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“This initiative offers direct engagement with about 50 Malaysian importers through structured business meetings, facilitating market entry and distribution partnerships within Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region,” he said.
The showcase is expected to further deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global halal value chain while opening new export opportunities for local businesses.
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