TUNIS — While Tunisia possesses significant potential to emerge as a major player in the global halal trade, its halal market remains largely underdeveloped and underexploited, according to Mamoudou Bocar Sall, Deputy Director General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT).

Speaking at the opening of the inaugural International Halal Forum in Tunis, held from September 29 to 30, 2026, Sall noted that global trade in halal products is currently estimated at $9 billion annually. He highlighted key sectors with strong export potential, including agri-food products, olive oil, seafood, financial services, tourism, and cosmetics.

To unlock this potential, Sall emphasized the need for Tunisia to expand halal certification for agri-food products, promote exports in tourism and telecommunications, and advance logistics infrastructure. He also advocated for stronger trade agreements with member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as with Asian, Arab, and African nations.

As a strategic institutional move, Sall proposed the establishment of a Higher Halal Council. Overseen by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, the council would bring together key stakeholders—such as UTICA, FIPA, CEPEX, and the Ministry of Industry—to regulate trade and investments and foster the growth of Islamic finance through updated legislative frameworks.

Expanding Horizons and Building an International Hub

Mourad Ben Hassine, CEO of CEPEX, underscored the vast opportunities awaiting Tunisian enterprises, positioning the country as a vital economic bridge between Europe and Africa. Notably, the number of Tunisian companies operating within the halal economy has doubled from around 20 in 2023 to nearly 40 today.

Ben Hassine added that Tunisia is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Trade and Export Development to host the prestigious World Halal Summit in 2027, organized by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

Kais Belaid, President of FIBGN Global Business Network and co-organizer of the forum, reported that Tunisia’s halal sector has generated approximately TND 1.3 billion in exports, primarily anchored by food products.

"The primary challenge is to facilitate market access, standards, buyers, and investors for our companies," Belaid stated, noting that global Muslim consumer spending reached roughly $2.6 trillion in 2024 and is projected to near $3.56 trillion by 2029. With Islamic finance valued at nearly $6 trillion—growing at over 10% annually alongside a 6.5% growth in halal consumption and an 11% surge in tourism—Belaid stressed that halal must be viewed as a solemn, trustworthy promise upheld across every stage of the supply chain rather than a mere packaging label.

FIBGN also proposed transforming the forum into an ongoing dialogue platform for standardization and certification bodies, leveraging INNORPI to foster mutual recognition, minimize trade barriers, and streamline market entry.

Government Commitment and Financing Initiatives

Trade and Export Development Minister Samir Abid affirmed that the country's next phase will focus on launching a competitive Tunisian-African halal product offering. This transition will require close, coordinated efforts among the state, businesses, professional organizations, research centers, and universities.

"The ministry will continue to support Tunisian companies in their efforts to develop halal trade, strengthen cooperation, and diversify export products," Abid concluded.

As a tangible step toward empowering smaller businesses, the forum concluded with the signing of an impact financing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between FIBGN and the Bank of Tunisia and the Emirates (BTE). The agreement is designed to help small and micro-enterprises secure financing to upgrade their production processes and acquire official Halal certifications.

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