Wednesday August 27, 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Diplomats, scholars, and entrepreneurs gathered at Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque on Tuesday for a workshop aimed at expanding East Africa’s role in the global halal economy, projected to reach $5.91 trillion by 2033.
The Halal Business Development and Export Readiness Workshop, held under the theme “Halal Science, Innovation and Industry,” was organized by the Somali Embassy in Kenya, the Royal Embassy of Thailand, Jamia Mosque Nairobi, and Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University Halal Science Centre.
The event drew participation from Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle; Thailand’s Ambassador, Morakot Janemathukorn; Malaysia’s High Commissioner, Ruzaimi Mohamad; Iraq’s Chargé d’Affaires, Akram Jamil Suleiman; and Khalid Mohammed Al Kathiri, the Arab League’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Nairobi.
Sessions focused on how halal science and technology, including certification systems, blockchain applications, and food safety standards, can help East African businesses meet international requirements and expand into markets across Asia and the Middle East. Organizers said small and medium-sized enterprises stand to gain the most, particularly in food, health, and cosmetic sectors.
Sheikh Muhammad Osman Warfa, chairman of the Jamia Mosque Committee, stressed that the workshop holds the potential to empower Muslim businesses, strengthen economic ties, and align commercial growth with halal values and principles.
Somalia’s ambassador Abdulle called the forum a vital platform for promoting halal business practices and advancing sustainable development. Thailand’s envoy Janemathukorn said her country is committed to supporting halal innovation and expanding trade partnerships with East Africa.
A delegation from Chulalongkorn University, led by Halal Science Centre founder Prof. Winai Dahlan, presented on halal and haram principles, the HAL-Q quality system, halal blockchain, and halal trade routes. Speakers spoke about the role of modern Muslim societies in shaping demand within the global halal economy.
Jamia Mosque leaders, including Deputy Chairman Abdullatif Essajee and Secretary-General AbdulBari Hamid, welcomed the initiative, stressing the role of faith-based institutions in fostering entrepreneurship and regional partnerships.