2018-08-07

The Director of Economic Policy and Planning at the Department of Economic Development says the economic strategy and value of the halaal market is well received by media and the Muslim community.

Nezaam Joseph addressed media today at the Africa Halaal 2018 press briefing in Cape Town.

Joseph explained that 70% of halaal exports were predominantly happening in the Western Cape thereby positioning it as the food basket globally.

He says halaal industry is worth $7trillion with a total halaal food market constituting just under $2 trillion.

“The halaal market is further bolstered by the sale of modest fashion with global boutique brands that have included halaal fashion, halaal finance, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, media and recreation.”

The Western Cape exports halaal products with a value of over R10 billion, mostly agricultural products to the Middle East.
Cape Town’s “halaal friendly” nature makes it the perfect hub for Muslim tourists, making them feel at home and spurs “halaal” travel to South Africa.

In a report it was noted that Muslims globally consume $16 billion of kosher foods, as no halaal foods are available.

The Western Cape government is in the process of comparing South African halaal best practice standards to the rest of the world to find gaps, not necessarily associated with Islamic rulings but to ensure that South Africa’s halaal certification is world class and accepted globally.