Morocco is positioning itself as a global leader in the halal industry through strategic international partnerships. The latest development involves Russia’s Tatarstan region, where authorities are seeking Moroccan accreditation for halal certification. This move would allow Tatarstani producers to export halal goods to Morocco, marking another step in the North African nation’s expanding halal trade network.
The Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR) has been actively forging agreements to strengthen its halal ecosystem. Earlier this year, it signed a recognition deal with Singapore’s Halal Authority, building on previous partnerships, including a 2020 agreement with Russia. Abderrahim Taibi, IMANOR’s director, emphasized Africa’s untapped potential in the $2 trillion global halal market during the Halal Morocco Forum.
Strict regulations govern Morocco’s halal imports, particularly for meat products. The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) enforces rigorous checks, requiring compliance with Islamic slaughter standards and approval from recognized religious bodies. For Tatarstan, gaining Moroccan accreditation would unlock new export avenues—part of its broader goal to boost halal exports to $15 million in 2025.
With 250 halal-certified producers in Tatarstan and recent Gulf Accreditation Centre recognition, Russia is also expanding its halal footprint. Meanwhile, Morocco continues courting Asian markets, offering expertise to Vietnam’s emerging halal sector. These collaborations underscore both nations’ ambitions to dominate the fast-growing halal economy.