Malaysia-Nigeria Trade Climbs 5.9% As 2026 Exhibition Targets Halal Growth

Trade relations between Malaysia and Nigeria continued to strengthen in the first quarter of 2026, with total bilateral trade rising by 5.9 per cent between January and March, as Malaysia intensifies efforts to deepen engagement with Nigeria through the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026.

Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria grew by 4.8 per cent during the period, while imports from Nigeria increased by 7.2 per cent, reflecting expanding commercial ties between both countries amid growing opportunities within the global halal economy.

The development comes as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) unveiled the 22nd edition of MIHAS 2026, described as the world’s largest halal trade event, positioning it as a major gateway for businesses seeking opportunities in the rapidly expanding global halal market valued at $3.5 trillion.

The soft launch of MIHAS 2026 was held on April 28, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Scheduled to hold from September 23 to 26, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, the event will be held under the theme, “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience.”

According to MATRADE, the event is designed to respond to increasing global demand for trusted, transparent, and efficient trade ecosystems amid supply chain disruptions, market fragmentation, and rising cost pressures.

MIHAS 2026 will feature 14 curated halal product and service segments, including food and beverage, modest fashion and lifestyle, pharmaceuticals and medicals, cosmetics and personal care, Islamic finance and fintech, education, e-commerce, tourism, retail and franchise, among others.

The organisers said the exhibition would leverage intelligent digital trade tools to improve business matching, streamline engagements, and boost commercial conversion opportunities for participants.

Under the International Sourcing Programme (INSP MIHAS), 250 international buyers are expected to meet with 600 Malaysian exporters through structured business matching sessions aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and sourcing opportunities.

In addition, the Hosted Buyer Programme will connect international exhibitors directly with 50 Malaysian importers through organised business meetings designed to support market entry and distribution partnerships within Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

MIHAS 2026 is projected to generate $1.13 billion in trade value, supported by 2,380 exhibition booths and participation from visitors across 45 countries.

Malaysia’s halal exports reached $17.23 billion in 2025, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in the global halal economy.

Speaking on the significance of the event for Nigeria, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said MIHAS 2026 would support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a major player in the global halal economy, in line with the recently launched Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy.

He noted that the platform would provide Nigerian exporters and businesses with opportunities to showcase their products and capabilities to global markets while identifying potential partners, suppliers, and technology providers to support the growth of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem.

Also speaking, Jude Bryan S. Dass, disclosed that eight buyers from Nigeria and 21 buyers from across West Africa, including Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, participated in MIHAS 2025 under the INSP programme.
0
He expressed optimism that participation from Nigerian businesses and institutions would increase significantly at MIHAS 2026, given the growing interest already recorded from the country and the wider West African region.

According to him, approved buyers would enjoy incentives including complimentary hotel accommodation and ground transportation throughout the programme.

Dass added that Malaysia is also hopeful of attracting a sizeable number of Nigerian exhibitors to participate under a proposed Nigeria Pavilion, which would enable businesses to benefit from the Hosted Buyer Programme and strengthen access to Malaysian and ASEAN markets.

Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria rose by 20.7 per cent in 2025 to reach $664 million, highlighting the growing economic engagement between both countries amid evolving global trade dynamics.