Transforming Potential into Achievement

The AFED Economic Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ismat Kassam Women Empowerment Program (IKWEP), KSIJ Dar Economic Empowerment Committee (EEC), and the Social Service Committee (SSC), has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering and uplifting women entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, they successfully concluded a 7-day intensive business workshop from 30th August to 7th September 2024 at the AFED Training Centre, AFED Tower in Dar es Salaam. The goal of the project is to foster entrepreneurial skills and promote sustainable business practices, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to launch and manage their own businesses, contributing to the broader mission of economic empowerment and self-sufficiency within the community.

This impactful workshop, funded by the Ismat Kassam Women Empowerment Program, attracted 11 enthusiastic participants who underwent a rigorous training modules:

1)    How to Generate Your Business (GYB) and

2)    How to Start Your Business (SYB)

The training was conducted by a team of ILO-certified trainers, including Mehjabeen Khaki, Shazmeen Pirbhai, Sakina Khimani, and Killian Nango. The workshop was overseen by ILO Master Trainers Mackdonald Lanzi and Elieza Mussa, whose vigilant supervision ensured the highest standards of training excellence.

The workshop was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guest speakers:

- Sr. Zainab Raza, Co-founder of Shona a bag and accessories brand that combines African prints and Maasai beadwork to create durable, functional, and elegant products for the modern African. sustainable creative businesses.

- Sr. Fatema Juma, Founder of Bake and Scoop an innovative startup that offers affordable, ready-to-eat gelato sundaes, making it easier for the working class to indulge in a refreshing treat without compromising on the taste or quality.

- Sr. Kaniz Ladha, a member of the AFED EDB, offered an in-depth session on the financial management aspects of running a successful business, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate complex financial landscapes.

The closing Ceremony was graced by the Vice Chairman of the Africa Federation, Aunali Bhai Khalfan, who extended appreciation to Ismat Kassam Women Empowerment Program, the AFED EDB, and the KSIJ Dar EEC for the initiative and applauding the participants for their dedication, and highlighted the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in driving economic empowerment, particularly for women, toward securing a prosperous future for themselves and their families. 

He further emphasized the value of collaboration, thanking the International Labour Organization (ILO) for their technical expertise and praised Ismat Bai Khimji, Mehjabeen Bai Khaki, Shazmeen Bai Pirbhai, and Sakina Bai Khimani for their invaluable contributions as organizers. 

The Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Vice Chairman of the EDB Board, Br. Mazahir Dewji graced the occasion, alongside other EDB member Kaniz Bai Ladha and workshop trainers. 

In a momentous conclusion to the workshop, each participant who successfully completed the training was awarded a certificate of completion.

The AFED Economic Development Board (EDB) is proud of the remarkable success of this initiative. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the ILO Master Trainers and trainers for their invaluable contributions to this workshop. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the participants, whose dedication and commitment were key to making this event impactful.  

We are especially thankful to the esteemed guest speakers for sharing their valuable knowledge and experiences, and also to Sr. Ismat Kassam of Women Empowerment for their unwavering support throughout. Finally, we would like to acknowledge Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat sub-committees (EEC & SSC), the organizing team and the Africa Federation for their continuous support in making this initiative a success. 

We look forward to further collaborations that will continue to uplift and empower our community.

SECRETARIAT 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

5th October 2024

Press Release - Update on the National Investments Ltd

Ref: PR/AF/031/24                                                         Date:  October 05, 2024 

The Africa Federation Secretariat is pleased to update the Community of the progress made by the Directors of the National Investments Ltd following enormous challenges faced by the Company in updating and regularizing its registration together with tracing of shareholders and their inheritors. 

The company which was formed in February 1962 made its first investments by purchasing the below five properties in the affluent suburbs of Dar es Salaam. These investments formed the foundation of the company’s portfolio. However, Tanzania’s nationalization policies in 1971 significantly impacted the Company leading to the loss of most of its properties.  Despite various efforts made to restitute the properties; only one (*) was returned. 

Plot No. 21 Sea View

Plot No. 2111/5 Sea View

Plot No. 2051/5 Sea View

Plot No. 77 Upanga Road

Plot No. 572 Mindu Street in Upanga * 

The Property that was returned consisted of four Maisonette on Mindu Street in Dar es Salaam and due to nonpayment of rent by the existing tenants the then Board of Directors had to get them evicted and took over the premises, renovated it before leasing it out.  

The company Directors despite the challenges worked diligently to remain afloat and in 1990 in collaboration with AFED began efforts to raise funds through the sale of shares to address the urgent repair works required on the Property. AFED played an instrumental role in supporting the company by providing financial resources to help them during its difficult times.  AFED’s involvement also ensured that the Institution remained a guardian shareholder in the company, reinforcing their long-term commitment to supporting NI's stability. 

In the year 2008, the Directors at that time decided to swap the property with another property in Masaki, thus the income of the company increased to a reasonable amount for this one property of NI Limited.  AFED continued to provide guidance and resources which was essential in navigating the complex process of property swaps and sales, helping NI Ltd transition from less profitable assets to more income generating investment. 

AFED’s leadership again played a pivotal role in the mid-2000s to ensure the company’s affairs were managed transparently and legally. AFED intervened to install new leadership in 2009, ensuring that the company’s interests remained safeguarded and that the shareholders' rights were upheld. 

As one of the major shareholders, AFED consistently prioritized the community's collective interest and pushed for the Directors to work towards the regularization of the Company’s registration which had not been updated for 35 years, this has been a tough process however through consultation and support from various personalities who were involved in the Company this task commenced and records were updated and registered with the relevant authorities. 

The current Board of Directors has been working hard on finalizing the regularization of the Company’s returns, preparation of accounts and with the grace of the Almighty, their efforts and zeal, some good progress has been made on both the issues. 

The Directors have been successful in identifying 189 shareholders which amounts to around 6,500 shares out of 25,000 excluding AFED/Bilal Tanzania and it has begun disbursing payments to the shareholders who are living or have living descendants that are confirmed to have authority to receive the funds on behalf of the deceased. 

The Company Directors are also focused on providing shareholders with options to either continue with the restitution efforts for the nationalized properties or to move the company's journey in a favorable direction; this will ensure that a collective decision is made with all fairness and transparency. 

The Shareholders also have the option to donate their funds towards charitable causes within the community institutions locally, reflecting the spirit of service and resilience that has defined National Investment’s long history. 

A small function was organized by the the Company on Monday 23rd September 2024 at the AFED Training Centre, AFED Tower in Dar-es-Salaam where stakeholders and members who have been involved with the Company were invited.  The Company has made payment to 23 shareholders so far and are in communication with the identified shareholders/their family members who are overseas on this matter. 

Below are a few pictures of the function:

The Africa Federation Office Bearers commend the great achievement made by the Board and records its appreciation to the Directors - Alhaj Muslim Hassanali (Chairman – Board of Directors), Alhaj Mushtak Fazal, Alhaj Alijawad Manji, Alhaj Ali Dharamsi and Alhaj Mohamedraza Bharwani for the perseverance and dedication in bringing the Company to this stage within a short time which is a testimony of their commitment.  May Allah (s.w.t.) reward them amply for their efforts, and grant them more tawfeeqat to continue with the good work they are doing, Aameen.

We also record our appreciation to the shareholders and their inheritors for the patience and support over the years and pray for the successful conclusion of the affairs of the Board.

Secretariat

Gulshanbai Habib - A Lifetime of Dedication and a Role Model for Women

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful

Amongst them are those who made a covenant with Allah, [saying], “if He bestowed on them of His bounty, they would surely spend in charity, and be truly amongst those who are righteous.” (Holy Qur’an, Surah At-Taubah Ayat 75)

At the heart of Burundi, Hajiani Gulshan Bai Habib shines as a beacon of dedication and selflessness, weaving a lifetime tapestry of love, service, and unwavering commitment to her community.

Born on October 20, 1935 in Gitega, Burundi, Gulshanbai, the daughter of Habibbhai Ladha and Rukiya bai Abdallah, grew up in a large and loving family. Surrounded by 6 sisters and 7 brothers, she learned the values of unity and compassion early on. Her siblings are Zubeda, Marziyyah, Zehra, Sukayna, Parin, Maryam, Marhum Mohamedrafiq, Marhum Akbar, Marhum Mustafa, Marhum Altaf Hassanali, Mehboob and Zulfiqar.

Gulshanbai's educational journey led her through Aga Khan Primary School and Ecole Primary du Quartier Asiatique. However, her vibrant talents and remarkable abilities extended far beyond the classroom. A sports enthusiast, she excelled in volleyball, showcasing not only prowess but also fostering a sense of camaraderie within her community. Additionally, her involvement in presenting stage dramas highlighted her flair for creativity and a passion for social engagement. Upon completing her formal education, Gulshanbai directed her talents towards sewing and embroidery, showcasing her skills in the art of creation.

In 1963, Gulshanbai embarked on a beautiful journey of matrimony with Abdulhussein Habib Khakhi in Bujumbura, and they were blessed with three sons – Azim, Muhammad, and Shakir Hussain. Her commitment to family and community continued to blossom as she joined hands with her husband in the noble pursuit of extending a helping hand to the Bilal Muslim Mission. Her benevolence and compassionate spirit became the cornerstone of her family's commitment to social welfare, leaving an indelible mark on the lives they touched.

Gulshanbai's service to the Jamaat began at the tender age of 12, where she dutifully assisted in the preparation and handling of Alam and Taaboot sowing the seeds for a lifelong dedication to her Jamaat. Over the years, her unwavering commitment saw her rise to the prestigious role of Chair Lady of the Jamaat, a position she held for four impactful years.

Her tenure as Chair Lady was marked by meticulous management, unwavering dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility. Gulshan Bai played a pivotal role in the preparation for Khushalis and Majlises, ensuring that every event was a harmonious blend of spiritual fervour and communal joy. Her involvement extended to the sacred duty of assisting in the Ghusl and Mayyit Committee, a task she approached with a mix of grace and solemnity.

Even in her seasoned years, Gulshanbai remains a dynamic force within the community. She discovered new passions and engages in sewing, cake decoration, and the art of baking. Her "gelatos", in particular, have become legendary, a testament to her creativity and culinary prowess that continues to delight family and friends.

Not one to retire, she continues to inspire through her resilience and dedication to the service of others. Gulshan Bai Habib stands as a living testament to a life well-lived, filled with love, dedication, and a deep sense of community service. Her journey, woven with threads of compassion and resilience, has left an indelible mark on the Burundi Jamaat. In her every action, one finds the echoes of a personality who has not only embraced the responsibilities bestowed upon her by life but has also added her unique, flavourful touch to every role she has played.

We pray to Almighty (SWT) to amply reward Gulshanbai for her dedicated efforts and grant her a long, healthy life to continue serving the community. Ameen.

Article Source: Sukaina bai Roshanali and Nazneen bai Jiwan.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

4th October 2024 / 30th Rabiul Awwal 1446 AH