Languages —

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

More

    Somali Magazine Issue 60 – Cover story – Kenya Hosts the Biggest Sharia and Halal Business Expo in East and Central Africa as the 3rd Edition Returns in 2026

    Share This Post
    Facebook
    
    Twitter (X)
    
    Instagram
    
    Somali Magazine - People's Magazine

    In April 2026, Nairobi will once again take center stage as Kenya hosts the biggest Halal-focused business gathering in East and Central Africa. The 3rd edition of the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo 2026 is set to take place on 17th and 18th April, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Center, bringing together businesses, scholars, investors, policymakers, and innovators from across the region and beyond.

    The two-day expo comes at a time when the global halal economy is expanding rapidly, now valued at over $3 trillion and still growing. From food and beverages to finance, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, tourism, and technology, halal is no longer a niche market. It is a global economic force — and Kenya is positioning itself as a regional gateway into this fast-growing industry.

    Building on the success of its previous editions, the 2026 expo promises to be the most ambitious yet. Organizers say the third edition reflects not just growth in scale, but also in vision. The event aims to deepen understanding of Sharia-compliant business practices while creating real opportunities for trade, partnerships, and investment across East and Central Africa.

    At its core, the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo is about trust. For consumers, halal certification represents transparency, ethics, and quality. For businesses, it opens doors to international markets and a loyal global customer base. For governments and regulators, it offers a framework for inclusive economic growth that aligns with ethical and sustainable principles.

    The expo will feature a vibrant exhibition floor showcasing halal-certified products and services from local, regional, and international exhibitors. From agribusiness exporters and manufacturers to fintech companies and logistics providers, exhibitors will demonstrate how halal standards are being applied across diverse industries. A strong emphasis will be placed on innovation, highlighting how modern technology is shaping halal compliance, traceability, and supply chains.

    Alongside the exhibition, the forum sessions will bring together industry experts, scholars, and business leaders for high-level discussions. Topics are expected to include halal certification standards, Islamic finance, cross-border trade, SME growth, investment readiness, and the role of halal in sustainable development. These conversations aim to equip businesses with practical insights while fostering dialogue between the private sector, regulators, and faith-based institutions.

    Kenya’s role as host carries regional significance. With its strategic location, developed infrastructure, and growing manufacturing and services sectors, the country is increasingly seen as a bridge between African markets and the wider global halal economy. Nairobi’s emergence as a hub for conferences and trade expos further strengthens its position as a meeting point for ideas, capital, and opportunity.

    For exhibitors, the 2026 expo offers a rare chance to connect directly with buyers, distributors, investors, and policymakers in one place. For visitors, it provides access to new products, knowledge, and partnerships that can shape future business decisions. For the wider region, it signals a commitment to ethical commerce and inclusive growth.

    Under the theme “Let’s shape the future of ethical business together,” the 3rd Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo is more than an event. It is a statement of intent — that East and Central Africa are ready to play a bigger role in the global halal economy.

    As April 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Nairobi. For two days, the Sarit Expo Center will not just host an exhibition, but a vision of how faith, ethics, and business can come together to drive opportunity, trust, and shared prosperity across the region.

    Share This Post