Malaysia International Halal Showcase Unveiled ......Targets strong participation from Nigeria, West Africa

 

Malaysia International Halal Showcase Unveiled

......Targets strong participation from Nigeria, West Africa

The National Trade Promotion Agency of Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), has  unveiled the 22nd edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026).

It is the  world’s largest Halal trade event, positioning it as a leading global gateway for businesses seeking to access opportunities within the rapidly expanding $3.5 trillion Halal economy. 

MIHAS 2026 soft launch took place on April 28, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Held under the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, MIHAS 2026, responds to rising demand for trusted, transparent, and efficient trade ecosystems amid ongoing global supply chain shifts, market fragmentation, and cost pressures. The event, recognised as the most established Halal trade platform, is designed to connect international businesses, and verified Halal products and services suppliers through high-value business engagements and cross-border trade opportunities.

The bigger outing of MIHAS 2026 will take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. featuring  14 carefully curated Halal product and services including :  Food & Beverage; Modest Fashion & Lifestyle; Food Technology & Packaging; Pharmaceuticals & Medicals; Halal Ingredient; Cosmetics & Personal Care; and Islamic Art & Craft.

In the area of services it will feature E-Commerce; Education; Retail & Franchise; Media & Recreation; Islamic Finance & Fintech; Muslim-Friendly Hospitality & Tourism; and Services & Enablers.

According to its organizers, MIHAS 2026 will leverage intelligent digital trade tools to enhance business matching, streamline engagement, and improve commercial conversion opportunities for participants. 

These capabilities, the organizers said  are embedded across MIHAS’ key programmes.

 Under the International Sourcing Programme (INSP MIHAS), 250 international buyers which are targeted to be recruited, will meet with 600 Malaysian exporters through curated business matching sessions designed to facilitate cross-border trade and sourcing opportunities. 

Meanwhile, the Hosted Buyer Programme, the organizers said is designed for international exhibitors participating in MIHAS, connecting them directly with 50 Malaysian importers through structured business meetings aimed at supporting market entry and distribution partnerships within Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market.

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 in the Global Halal economy. 

The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, His Excellency,  Aiyub Omar, remarked that MIHAS 2026 would serve as an ideal instrument to support Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a key player in the global halal economy, as outlined in the recently launched Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy.

The High Commissioner added that MIHAS 2026 would serve as an ideal platform for Nigerian exporters and businesses to showcase their products and capabilities to the global market, while also identifying potential partners, suppliers, technology providers to support the development of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jude Bryan S. Dass, Trade Counsellor, noted that a total of eight buyers from Nigeria and 21 buyers from across West Africa, including participants from Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, had participated in MIHAS 2025 under the INSP programme.

The Trade Counsellor added, taking into consideration the strong interest received from Nigerian companies and institutions thus far, he is optimistic of greater participation from buyers across West Africa, particularly Nigeria, at MIHAS 2026.

 Approved buyers will benefit from the incentives which includes complementary hotel accommodation and ground transportation for the duration of the programme.

“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, which 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” added the Trade Counsellor. 

Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria grew by 20.7 percent  in 2025, reaching $664 million, underscoring strengthening bilateral trade ties and deepening economic engagement between the two countries amid an evolving global trade landscape. 

Total trade between Malaysia and Nigeria from January to March 2026 grew by 5.9 percent . 

Malaysia exports to Nigeria increased by 4.8 percent, while imports from Nigeria grew by 7.2 percent  over the same period.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has been at the forefront of promoting Malaysia’s exports, playing a pivotal role in enabling many local companies to establish and expand their presence in global markets. 

Organizers said : "As we continue to spotlight capable Malaysian companies on the international stage, our efforts are aimed at making the ‘Made-In-Malaysia’ brand synonymous with excellence, reliability, and trustworthiness. This commitment is reflected in our strategic initiatives and comprehensive support programmes designed to empower Malaysian exporters to navigate and succeed in the competitive global marketplace. 

"Underpinning MATRADE’s mission is a deep-seated belief in the quality, innovation, and diversity of Malaysian products and services. By fostering a conducive environment for export growth, MATRADE has been instrumental in helping Malaysian businesses not only enter but also thrive in new and existing markets worldwide.

" Our approach is holistic, encompassing market intelligence, trade advisory services, and capacity-building programs, all tailored to the nuanced needs of Malaysian exporters. 

"MATRADE’s efforts extend beyond traditional trade facilitation. We are committed to championing the Halal industry, as evidenced by our pivotal role in organising the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS). 

"Furthermore, MATRADE’s dedication to sustainability and digitalisation reflects our forward-thinking approach to trade promotion. By integrating these elements into our initiatives, we aim to ensure that Malaysian exporters are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the global market, thereby securing Malaysia's economic future and reinforcing our position as a trusted trading partner.

"As we look to the future, MATRADE remains steadfast in its mission to elevate Malaysia’s export landscape. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and a relentless focus on quality and excellence, we are helping to shape a resilient and dynamic Malaysian export sector that is capable of achieving sustainable growth on the global stage."