LAGOS/Nigeria: Nigeria’s ambition to become a major player in the global Halal economy is set to receive a significant boost as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 positions Nigerian businesses and exporters for expanded access to the multi-trillion-dollar global market.
The Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said MIHAS 2026 would provide a strategic platform for Nigerian companies to showcase their products and capabilities globally, while leveraging opportunities in the rapidly expanding Halal economy projected at $3.5 trillion.
Omar disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that MIHAS 2026 is projected to generate about $1.13 billion in trade value.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the country’s National Trade Promotion Agency, recently unveiled the 22nd edition of MIHAS 2026 themed: “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience.”
The global trade event, regarded as the world’s largest Halal exhibition, is scheduled to hold in Kuala Lumpur from Sept. 23 to Sept. 26.
The showcase is designed to connect international businesses with verified Halal products and service providers and will feature 14 curated sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, modest fashion and Islamic finance.
According to Omar, MIHAS 2026 comes at a critical time as global businesses seek trusted, transparent and efficient trade ecosystems amid disruptions in supply chains, market fragmentation and rising costs.
“MIHAS 2026 is set to generate $1.13 billion in trade value supported by 2,380 exhibition booths and participation from visitors across 45 countries.
“In 2025, Malaysia’s Halal exports reached $17.23 billion, placing Malaysia as a key player in the global Halal economy,” he said.
NAN further reports that trade relations between Nigeria and Malaysia continue to strengthen, with Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria rising by 20.7 per cent in 2025 to reach $664 million.
Trade between both countries also recorded a 5.9 per cent growth between January and March 2026.
Trade Counsellor at the Malaysian High Commission, Mr. Jude Dass, revealed that eight Nigerian buyers and 21 participants from across West Africa attended MIHAS 2025 through the International Sourcing Programme.
Dass expressed optimism that participation from Nigeria and the West African sub-region would rise significantly at the 2026 edition due to increasing interest from businesses and institutions.
“We are hopeful of a sizeable participation by Nigerian exhibitors at MIHAS 2026, potentially under a consolidated Nigeria Pavilion, to benefit from the Hosted Buyer Programme.
“This provides opportunities to connect directly with 50 Malaysian importers through structured business meetings aimed at facilitating market entry and distribution partnerships within Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market,” he said.
