By Renwick Wachenyuka
ZIMTRADE THIS month hosted a specialised business delegation on Halal certification to assess local abattoirs and meat-processing facilities as Zimbabwe moves to strengthen compliance and improve access to export markets in the Middle East.
The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to expand meat exports and address certification challenges that have limited access to international markets.
Growing demand from Governments and consumers across the world for improved food safety, hygiene, traceability and ethical production standards has increased the importance of certification for businesses seeking entry into international markets.
Halal certification has become an important requirement in several premium markets, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Asia.
Recent international food safety incidents have reinforced the importance of compliance.
This year, the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed issued warnings on Vietnamese food exports after products were found to contain undeclared allergens, illegal additives and unapproved ingredients.
In South Africa, BM Foods Manufacturers recalled ready-to-eat hummus products after traces of Listeria monocytogenes were detected, highlighting the commercial and operational impact of food safety failures.
As Zimbabwe positions itself to increase meat exports into Middle Eastern markets, these developments underline the need for local producers to strengthen standards and certification systems.
The UAE imports more than US$3,5 billion worth of meat and edible meat offal annually, presenting opportunities for Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.
However, local exporters have faced challenges accessing these markets due to compliance and certification requirements.
To support industry readiness, ZimTrade facilitated visits by experts from internationally recognised Halal certification bodies to selected local facilities.
The delegation carried out on-site assessments at abattoirs and meat-processing plants to evaluate existing systems covering hygiene, traceability, slaughter procedures and documentation.
The exercise aimed to assist businesses in understanding and meeting requirements applied in markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Malaysia.
During the visits, experts worked with management teams to identify compliance gaps and outline practical measures for improvement.
Focus areas included internationally recognised food safety management systems such as FSSC 22000 and HACCP, which are increasingly considered necessary for Halal certification.
Local facilities were also assessed against standards applied by Halal-certified abattoirs already supplying Middle Eastern markets, with guidance provided on sanitation, temperature control, contamination prevention, pest management and product traceability.
The delegation also highlighted the growing importance of animal welfare in international meat trade.
Modern Halal certification frameworks place emphasis on humane handling during transportation, holding, slaughter and processing as part of broader quality and compliance expectations.
Traceability systems were identified as another key component in building buyer confidence and strengthening supply chain transparency, enabling exporters to respond effectively to food safety concerns and maintain market credibility. For Zimbabwean exporters, certification remains an important factor in improving competitiveness, supporting market access and strengthening long-term participation in international trade.
