Durban to host halaal export capacity-building workshop
South African National Halaal Authority logo
Image: Sanha
In a proactive move to cultivate South Africa’s burgeoning halaal export sector, a capacity-building workshop is set to take place in Durban on June 23 and 24, aimed at establishing a dedicated halaal hub for the industry.
Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), in partnership with the South African National Halaal Authority (Sanha) is bringing together certified businesses at the Islamic Medical Association in Sherwood.
South Africa’s halaal industry has been estimated at approximately R45 billion (USD 3.2 billion), making it one of the leading sectors in the country.
In the employment sector over the past three years, approximately 12 000 jobs have been created in KwaZulu-Natal through halaal manufacturing and related services.
Durban accounts for 55 to 60% of the province’s economy making it a central manufacturing hub for halaal products in the province.
Ebi Lockhat, Sanha communications manager, said this initiative aims to promote the formation of industry clusters and the establishment of a dedicated halaal hub to drive growth, improve competitiveness, and expand exports of halaal products.
He added that the workshop aims to equip local businesses (emerging and existing exporters) with the knowledge and tools needed to enter and expand in the global halaal market.
"The workshop focuses on export readiness, covering essential topics such as the halaal industry's principles, export registration, certification and compliance, trade finance, and export incentives," he said.
Lockhat said the workshop will feature practical sessions led by industry experts and stakeholders.
"Panel discussions will address sector-specific challenges and opportunities, particularly in red meat, plant products, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, while also highlighting support mechanisms and market intelligence to promote KwaZulu-Natal’s competitiveness in halaal exports.
"Delegates will also get the opportunity to hear the testimony of exporters on their journey in developing their successful model," said Lockhat.
KwaZulu-Natal exports a diverse range of high-demand products across various sectors to global markets. In the agro-processing sector, key exports include halaal-certified processed foods, sugar and sugar-based products, fruits (such as avocados, bananas, and citrus), vegetables, and essential oils, which are particularly sought after in the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Asia.
"The growing global demand for halaal-certified products has also positioned KwaZulu-Natal exporters to successfully penetrate markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), South-east Asia, and other parts of Africa," he said.
Lockhat said TIKZN and the SANHA have collaborated on several key initiatives, including the successful hosting of the World Halaal Day Conference in 2022, alongside other strategic partners such as the Minara Chamber of Commerce and the National Independent Halaal Trust.
TIKZN has also spearheaded the development of the KZN Halaal Initiative, which includes a comprehensive study on the structure and dynamics of the halaal industry in KwaZulu-Natal.