On Thursday, July 17, the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency took part in the official opening ceremony of Halal Expo West Africa 2025, marking the launch of a strategic trade show for the development of a strong and structured halal economy in West Africa.

In attendance were Ms. ASSOUM, Director of Foreign Trade Promotion and Export Assistance, representing Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mohamed Djibril BELLO, Director General of Halal Côte d’Ivoire, and representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Standards and Metrology Institute (SMIIC).

The first day highlighted the challenges of regulatory structuring, halal certification, and South-South partnership through high-level speeches.

Agence Côte d’Ivoire Export also participated in the Export Panel, during which Dr. Benjamin WALKER, Director of Market Development, presented strategies to support Ivorian companies in the halal sector internationally, with a focus on market diversification and the removal of trade barriers.

This was an opportunity to highlight the importance of certified exports as a lever for competitiveness and growth for Ivorian SMEs.