As Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), experts are calling for the rapid adoption of Halal Certification across the country's hospitality and tourism sector, saying it could unlock long-term economic benefits beyond the tournament.
Ali Kalema, Executive Director of the Halal Assurance Institute Uganda, says AFCON 2027 presents a strategic opportunity for Uganda to position itself as a competitive Muslim-friendly tourism and investment destination in Africa and beyond.
"AFCON 2027 is more than a sporting event. It is a gateway for Uganda to integrate into the fast-growing global Halal economy and position itself as a preferred destination for Muslim-friendly tourism, hospitality, and investment," Kalema said.
He noted that the global Halal economy--spanning food, tourism, finance, pharmaceuticals, and logistics--has become one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, driven by a Muslim population of over two billion people and rising consumer demand for certified services.
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Kalema argued that if Uganda strategically develops Halal-compliant hospitality facilities ahead of December 2026, the country could significantly enhance its competitiveness in attracting tourists, investors, and international business delegations, particularly from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
"Hotels, restaurants, catering services, and tourism facilities that obtain Halal Certification will enjoy increased international confidence, improved service standards, and access to a wider global market," he said.
He added that Halal certification goes beyond religious compliance, emphasizing food safety, ethical sourcing, hygiene, traceability, and quality assurance systems that benefit all consumers.
According to Kalema, AFCON 2027 will bring thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond, including Muslim-majority countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Sudan, as well as business delegations from the Gulf region.
He said this creates a unique opportunity for Uganda to market itself as East Africa's leading Muslim-friendly destination if adequate certification systems are in place.
"Countries like Malaysia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated that Halal compliance is not only a religious requirement but also a powerful economic development strategy," Kalema noted.
He further projected that strengthening Uganda's Halal ecosystem could unlock opportunities in agro-processing, livestock production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and Islamic finance, while boosting exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
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Kalema also highlighted potential job creation in areas such as Halal auditing, quality assurance, hospitality management, compliance, and tourism services, noting that the sector could support thousands of new employment opportunities if fully developed.
He urged government agencies, the private sector, and certification bodies to collaborate in building a coordinated national Halal readiness programme ahead of AFCON 2027.
"If implemented effectively, Halal certification can transform Uganda's hospitality sector into a regional hub and convert a short-term sporting event into a long-term economic legacy," he said.
Uganda is expected to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside other East African countries, an event widely seen as a major opportunity to boost tourism, infrastructure development, and international visibility.
