South Africa may have one of the continent’s smallest Muslim populations (1.5%–3% of its citizens follow Islam), yet the country is one of the top five producers of halal products globally.

In fact, roughly 60% of all products available in South African retail stores are certified halal, while its industry is estimated to be worth around US$71.7 million – largely due to the country’s highly advanced halal certification programmes and relatively easier access to the rest of the continent, according to an AFKInsider report.

Furthermore, since there are strict rules for halal meat production and South African traders make up about 50% of the continent’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, the South African National Halal Authority has helped other African countries (including Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique) with regard to establishing their own halal certifications.

17 January 2017
Image: Andreas Eiselen/HMimages