Tanzania’s AKDN institutions pay tribute to Aga Khan, pledge to sustain his work

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania joins the world in mourning the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, institutions under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) have vowed to uphold his vision and continue his mission of humanitarian service.

The institutions highlighted the significant contributions of His Highness in improving the lives of Tanzanians during his lifetime, in a prayer gathering that brought together members from the AKDN institutions at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The deceased is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Egypt.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, joined world leaders in mourning the passing of the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili community and founder and chairman of the AKDN.

His Highness passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Mwananchi Communications Limited

Speaking on behalf of the Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL)’s board chairman and staff, Mr Hanif Jaffer, noted that the past three days had been challenging for millions globally including in Tanzania and East Africa.

“The Shia Ismaili community in Tanzania has lost its spiritual leader, and citizens who have benefited from the various organisations under the AKDN have lost a guardian angel,” he said.

“At MCL, we stand in solidarity with our brethren at AKDN and the Ismaili community in mourning the passing of a great man. His Highness, the Late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, was ahead of his time.”

Mr Jaffer said the late Aga Khan was a true humanist, visionary, statesman and great humanitarian who believed in human potential and saw opportunities where others did not.

“In Tanzania, his legacy is evident in education, healthcare, arts and culture, media, and many other sectors. His Highness believed in the power of independent media to positively influence the trajectory of East African nations.

That belief led him to establish a home-grown, uniquely East African media organisation in the late 1950s, which ultimately became Nation Media Group—of which Mwananchi Communications Limited is a part.”

“At MCL, we celebrate his legacy of selfless service by continuing to champion independent, groundbreaking, solutions-oriented journalism that empowers Tanzanians. We hope to honour him by upholding the values of this great media enterprise he founded.”

Aga Khan University - Tanzania

Aga Khan University’s Associate Vice Provost in Tanzania, Prof Eunice Pallangyo, expressed sadness over the passing of His Highness, calling him a visionary leader whose profound impact touched countless lives.

“At Aga Khan University, we were privileged to have him as our Chancellor and to be part of his enduring legacy. His commitment to improving the quality of life for the communities we serve is immeasurable,” she said.

She noted that under his guidance the university was established 42 years ago, setting its roots in Tanzania in 2002 as part of AKDN.

Since then, it has significantly contributed to Tanzania’s socioeconomic development through education, research, and community engagement.

Following his vision, the university has graduated over 1,500 professionals in fields such as education, medical specialties, nursing, and midwifery, achieving a 90 percent graduation rate.

In the past five years alone, the university has provided over Sh2.8 billion in financial assistance, benefiting over 900 students.

Many of these graduates now hold key leadership positions across East Africa, driving healthcare and education policy reforms.

“In research, with His Highness’s support, Aga Khan University has made significant strides with over 4,000 publications contributing to knowledge creation and informing public policy in healthcare and education,” she added.

Over the past 10 years, the university has implemented over 20 major projects enhancing education, healthcare delivery and climate resilience in Tanzania.

“These initiatives, aligned with Tanzania’s national development goals, reflect His Highness’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth and local welfare,” she affirmed.

Aga Khan Foundation

Regional Committee Member for the Aga Khan Foundation, Mr Karim Kanji, described the late Aga Khan’s passing as a profound loss.

“His legacy of service, pluralism, and human dignity will continue to inspire generations to come. He did not just build institutions; he instilled values of humility, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to bettering humanity,” he said.

“May we continue to be guided by his wisdom and vision as we carry forward the work he so tirelessly dedicated his life to.”

Diamond Trust Bank - Tanzania

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ravneet Chowdhury, highlighted that AKDN was instrumental in founding DTB in 1945 in Dar es Salaam before its expansion to Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi.

“Today, our balance sheet stands at approximately Sh1.8 trillion, with a loan book of about Sh1 trillion, benefiting people of all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities. His Highness’s legacy is not just written in words but in the lives he touched and the hope he restored,” he noted.

Jubilee Health & Life Insurance

The Chairman of Jubilee Health Insurance, Mr Karim Jamal, extended condolences to His Highness’s family, the Ismaili community, and those touched by his leadership.

“His unwavering commitment to improving lives through education, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural development is a testament to his boundless dedication to humanity,” he said.

The Chairman of Jubilee Life Insurance, Mr Amyn Lalji, added that Jubilee Life was privileged to be part of Aga Khan’s enduring vision, ensuring financial security and well-being for communities.

Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania

CEO of Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania, Mr Sisawo Konteh, recalled meeting His Highness in 2005 when AKDN was asked to restore social services in Afghanistan.

“In 2005, despite the ongoing war, His Highness visited us at Bamiyan Hospital in Afghanistan. That was my first encounter with him, and I spent three enriching hours with him. His courage and vision inspired me and many others,” he said.