‎MIHAS 2026: Malaysia woos Nigeria into $3.5trn Halal Market‎

MATRADE targets more Nigerian and West African participation in $3.5 trillion global Halal economy
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‎By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has unveiled the 22nd edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026), positioning the event as the world’s largest Halal trade fair and a major entry point into the $3.5 trillion global Halal economy, Confiance News has learned.
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‎The soft launch of MIHAS 2026 was held on April 28, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, with organisers confirming that the event will run from September 23 to 26, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
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‎Themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” this year’s edition is designed to respond to rising demand for transparent trade ecosystems amid global supply chain shifts and market fragmentation, it was gathered.
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‎14 sectors, thousands of exhibitors expected
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‎According to details sighted by Confiance News, MIHAS 2026 will showcase 14 curated Halal product and service categories, spanning food and beverage, modest fashion, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, cosmetics, e-commerce, and Muslim-friendly tourism, among others.
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‎The fair is expected to feature 2,380 exhibition booths and draw visitors from 45 countries, with organisers projecting the event will generate $1.13 billion in trade value. Malaysia’s Halal exports reportedly hit $17.23 billion in 2025, cementing its position as a leading player in the global Halal trade.
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‎Confiance News also gathered that the event will deploy digital trade-matching tools to boost commercial conversion for participants. Under the International Sourcing Programme, 250 international buyers are targeted to meet with 600 Malaysian exporters, while a separate Hosted Buyer Programme will connect international exhibitors with 50 Malaysian importers to support market entry into Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
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‎Nigeria positioned as key target market
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‎The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, H.E. Aiyub Omar, was quoted as saying MIHAS 2026 could support Nigeria’s ambition to become a major player in the global Halal economy, in line with the country’s recently launched National Halal Economy Strategy.
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‎He added that the fair offers Nigerian exporters a platform to showcase products, while also connecting them with potential partners, suppliers, and technology providers to grow Nigeria’s Halal ecosystem, Confiance News understands.
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‎Trade Counsellor Jude Bryan S. Dass disclosed that eight buyers from Nigeria and 21 from across West Africa, including Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, took part in MIHAS 2025 under the sourcing programme. He said interest from Nigerian companies has been strong, and organisers are optimistic of a bigger turnout in 2026.
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‎”We are hopeful of a sizeable participation by Nigerian exhibitors at MIHAS 2026, potentially under a consolidated Nigeria Pavilion,” Dass was quoted as saying, noting that approved buyers will get complimentary hotel accommodation and ground transportation.
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‎Malaysia-Nigeria trade ties deepen
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‎Confiance News further confirmed that Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria grew 20.7 percent in 2025 to reach $664 million. Between January and March 2026, total trade between both countries rose 5.9 percent, with Malaysian exports to Nigeria up 4.8 percent and imports from Nigeria up 7.2 percent over the same period.
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