"Halal is not just a matter of faith; it's a market to be conquered," says Dénéba Diouf, Associate Director of Halal Sénégal. The guest on the Seneweb Eco program this Sunday, April 12, 2026, called for a shift in perspective towards a global market "valued at nearly $7 trillion," noting that this sector extends far beyond food to encompass Islamic finance, tourism, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Yet, despite its advantages, Senegal remains on the sidelines. "In Senegal, everything is halal by nature, but nothing is certified for export," Mr. Diouf stated, lamenting a situation that prevents local businesses from entering international markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

In this context, certification emerges as a central strategic tool. "We want certification to be a passport for the Senegalese entrepreneur," he emphasized. Beyond the religious requirement, it primarily serves as a guarantee of traceability and compliance with international standards. "It's not about market protectionism, but a consumer ethics issue," he clarified. Furthermore, the Associate Director of Halal Sénégal believes the state's role is crucial because "certification is not within reach for all SMEs," he said, calling for enhanced support for businesses.

The stakes are even higher as the country possesses considerable agricultural potential. Mangoes, onions, and livestock products could feed into high-value-added supply chains. "We have fertile land. Onions can be processed into powder, mangoes into concentrated juice," he explained. However, due to insufficient industrial processing, a significant portion of production is lost. In this regard, the expert points to a lack of strategy, citing insufficient infrastructure and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).