Shafaqna English- Uganda is seeking to expand its presence in the global halal market by strengthening certification, skills and international standards, with agriculture, finance, tourism and manufacturing identified as key areas for growth, according to New Vision.
The strategy was discussed at the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uganda (ICCIU) Business Dialogue 2026 in Kampala, where business leaders, regulators, academics and private-sector representatives examined opportunities in the global halal economy.
Participants said Uganda has significant potential to export meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and grains to growing halal markets in the Middle East, Asia and other regions. However, they stressed that gaps in certification, skilled manpower, laboratory testing and modern processing facilities must be addressed.
Dr. Ahmed Kaweesa Ssengendo of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said Uganda has the natural resources to become a major halal supplier but needs internationally recognised standards to compete effectively. He also highlighted opportunities in Islamic finance, halal tourism, food, beverages and modest fashion.
Uganda has already made progress through its Islamic finance legal framework, Islamic banking, Takaful insurance, halal certification and strengthened national standards. Experts also urged universities to expand halal-related training in fields including food science, laboratory technology, tourism, logistics and finance.
As part of its market expansion strategy, ICCIU announced plans for a trade and investment mission to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the UAE, while a regional Islamic trade and halal conference is scheduled for October.
The initiative reflects Uganda’s broader effort to use its agricultural base and emerging Islamic-finance infrastructure to gain access to the expanding global halal economy.
Source: New Vision