Nairobi recently hosted the Second Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo 2025, a three-day event that drew over 5,000 visitors from East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The expo, held at BBS Mall in Eastleigh from October 10 to 12, featured more than 130 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of Halal and Sharia-compliant products and services. These included finance, real estate, airlines, food, fashion, and investment, highlighting the diversity of industries embracing Sharia-compliant trade.
The event emphasized the potential for expanding Sharia-compliant trade in key sectors such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tourism, and real estate. Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Abdulle praised the expo for promoting ethical and faith-based business practices, which he believes will strengthen regional trade ties between Kenya and Somalia. Abdulle advocated for regular hosting of such fairs to sustain trade partnerships between the two countries.
Ridwan Yusuf, CEO of the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo, noted that the platform fosters regional partnerships and promotes integrity-driven enterprises. According to Yusuf, the expo is not merely a product showcase but a means to build trust, transparency, and collaboration among businesses committed to ethical growth.
The expo has positioned Kenya as a significant hub for Halal innovation and Sharia-compliant business in East and Central Africa. Organizers have expanded the focus to include Islamic finance, agribusiness, tourism, fashion, and real estate, indicating a broadening scope for Sharia-compliant trade in the region.
Following the success of this year’s event, preparations are underway for the third edition, scheduled for April 2026 in Nairobi. The continued growth and interest in Sharia-compliant trade and Halal business practices underscore the importance of such events in facilitating regional trade and economic cooperation. As the demand for ethical and faith-based business practices increases, platforms like the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo play a crucial role in connecting businesses and fostering partnerships that value integrity and transparency.
