The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), in collaboration with The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB) and with the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), successfully organized the “High-Level National Awareness and Capacity Building Workshop on Halal Standards and Quality Infrastructure” from 01 to 05 June 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the SMIIC Strategic Plan 2021–2030, aiming to strengthen awareness and technical capacities on Halal standards and quality infrastructure among OIC Member States.
The opening ceremony was attended by high-level representatives from national institutions, OIC-related organizations, and partner institutions. Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of TGSB, TİKA, relevant Gambian authorities, and H.E. Mr. İhsan Övüt, Secretary General of SMIIC.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. İhsan ÖVÜT underlined the importance of harmonized Halal standards and quality infrastructure systems in facilitating trade, enhancing consumer confidence, and supporting the development of the global Halal economy. He also highlighted the role of SMIIC as the OIC institution responsible for harmonizing standards and strengthening quality infrastructure capacities across Member States.
The first day of the workshop focused on general awareness sessions regarding SMIIC, Halal Quality Infrastructure, and the implementation of OIC/SMIIC standards by Member States. Approximately 70 participants from ministries, regulatory bodies, private sector institutions, academia, conformity assessment bodies, and other relevant stakeholders attended these awareness sessions.
The technical training sessions held during the following days gathered 19 national experts who received intensive training on relevant OIC/SMIIC Halal standards and conformity assessment requirements, including:
OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 – General Rules for Halal Food
OIC/SMIIC 2:2019 – Requirements for Organizations Issuing Halal Certificates
OIC/SMIIC 6:2019 – Requirements for Places Where Halal Food and Beverages are Prepared, Stored and Served
OIC/SMIIC 24:2020 – General Requirements for Food Additives and Other Chemicals Added to Halal Food
OIC/SMIIC 33:2020 – Certification Scheme Example for Halal Products
Halal Accreditation Process according to OIC/SMIIC standards
The training sessions were delivered by experts from SMIIC and the Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK), namely Mr. Mete ÇEVİK, Mr. Yasin ZÜLFİKAROĞLU, and Mr. Abdoul Fathi SANOGO.
The workshop also provided an important platform for discussions on strengthening Halal quality infrastructure in The Gambia and supporting future initiatives related to Halal conformity assessment, certification, and accreditation in line with internationally recognized OIC/SMIIC standards.
At the end of the workshop, certificates of participation were awarded to the trainees and participants.
SMIIC expresses its sincere appreciation to TGSB, TİKA, the participating institutions, experts, and all stakeholders for their valuable cooperation and contributions to the successful implementation of this important program.
