East African countries hope to learn from South Africa’s success as one of the five largest producers of halal products worldwide at a summit to be held in Nairobi.
The industry is worth around US$3.3 billion locally, according to Agnes Gitau, a partner at GBS Africa, an advisory firm working to promote business and Investment relations between Africa and the rest of the world.
The company is organising the East Africa Islamic Economy Summit (EAIES 2017) which takes place in Nairobi, Kenya on April 10-12.
A recent ResearchMoz report shows that growing Muslim populations are pushing the demand for halal products. “Sub-Saharan Africa regional spend on halal food was about $114 billion in 2013 based on Thomson Reuters data. Emphasis has been mainly on halal meats and meat products, but over the past few years the trend has been shifting to the introduction of halal franchises, prepared meals, canned, frozen and instant foods,” she said.
South Africa had emerged as one of the top global producers of halal products due to its access to the rest of the continent (with its large Islamic populations) and its “highly advanced halal certification programmes”, she added.
Daily newsletter AFK Insider reported that the South African National Halaal Authority had helped other African countries set up halal certification - including Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.
