Malaysia is set to make its debut at the Lagos International Trade Fair 2026, showcasing more than 40 halal products from the FMCG sector, as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in Nigeria and the wider West African market.

The four-day Malaysian showcase, themed “Malaysia, Your Halal Gateway,” according to a statement, will be held from 9 to 12 November 2026 at the International Hall, Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos. The showcase forms part of the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair, which is scheduled to take place from 6 to 15 November 2026.

Spearheaded by the High Commission of Malaysia in Nigeria, together with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) office in Lagos, the showcase is organised in partnership with Malaysia Traders Market Nigeria Limited (MTM), with the cooperation of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the statement said.

Read also: Egypt raises rates for first time in nearly three years despite easing inflation

“Nigeria ranks as the world’s eighth-largest domestic halal economy and the second largest in Africa. It is also the 11th largest exporter of halal products in Africa. Against this backdrop, Nigeria represents an important Halal export market for Malaysia”, said the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar. In addition to Nigeria’s vast domestic market, it also serves as a commercial gateway to the broader West African markets, he added.

Aiyub Omar in the statement further noted that Malaysia’s inaugural participation serves, among others, as an initial market-testing exercise, with a view towards broader participation in future editions of the trade fair. “Through this exhibition, we hope to introduce more Malaysian products to Nigerian businesses and consumers while identifying opportunities for lasting partnerships”, said the High Commissioner.

He underscored the initiative as a crucial step towards strengthening bilateral trade cooperation in the halal sector, in line with Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy launched earlier this year.

“Malaysia is well-positioned to serve as a strategic partner in advancing Nigeria’s halal economy, drawing on its experience and established capabilities across the halal value chain. Malaysia has developed a globally recognised halal ecosystem, supported by robust certification standards, advanced manufacturing capabilities, research and development, logistics infrastructure, and dedicated trade promotion institutions. Malaysia’s Halal exports in 2025 exceeded USD16 billion, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Jude Bryan S. Dass, Counsellor (Trade) at MATRADE Lagos, highlighted that Malaysia’s participation is timely, building on the momentum of strong interest and active participation of Nigerian and wider West African buyers at the recently concluded Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026), held from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of 26 buyers from across West Africa, alongside 30 trade delegates and visitors, as well as media representatives from the region, participated in MIHAS 2026, reflecting growing interest in Malaysian halal products and strengthening trade linkages between Malaysia and the West African region, he added.

He said Malaysia’s participation at LITF 2026 will also feature a dedicated Country Spotlight session, highlighting Malaysia’s halal industry capabilities and opportunities for bilateral collaboration, in line with the theme “Malaysia, Your Halal Gateway.” The one-hour session will take place on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the International Hall and will feature presentations by the High Commission of Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia’s Halal Development Corporation (HDC).

The statement further said that Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria grew by 20.7% in 2025, reaching USD664 million, driven by stronger trade in key sectors, including palm oil and palm-based products, processed foods, as well as machinery, equipment & parts. Total bilateral trade reached US1.23 billion in 2025, positioning Nigeria as Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa.

Read also: African central banks return to rate hikes as fuel costs, currency pressures mount

Commenting on the exhibition, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Traders Market Nigeria Limited (MTM), Prince Olawale Suleiman Ayinla, highlighted the importance of institutional support from the High Commission of Malaysia and MATRADE in facilitating stronger business linkages between Malaysia and Nigeria.

“Such support is instrumental in enabling organisations like MTM to foster closer commercial ties between the two countries. Through this exhibition, we hope to help Malaysian companies explore opportunities in the Nigerian market and facilitate successful business engagements,” he said.