A historic moment unfolded as the Archives Section of Africa Federation officially launched its long-anticipated history book - Dhows to Diaspora: The Khoja Journey and the Legacy of the Africa Federation on the 13th of June 2025 at the 29th Africa Federation Ordinary Conference in Mombasa. This milestone publication encapsulates eight decades of the Africa Federation’s journey and evolution, its member Jamaats, and the shared experiences that shaped the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community across the African continent.
The event was ably steered by Dr. Abbasaley Abbas, Sectional Secretary of the AFED Archives Section, who welcomed guests and led the audience through the proceedings of the launch. “Today we witness a launch that captures not just the history of our Jamaats, but of the Africa Federation since its inception,” he remarked. He acknowledged that the project was an initiative of the Africa Federation Archives Section, with the support of Dr. Hasnain Walji in bringing it to life. He then introduced the author, Dr. Hasnain Walji, offering a brief overview of his credentials and his longstanding contributions to the preservation of the Khoja heritage.
Dr. Hasnain Walji is a renowned oral historian and Executive Director of the United Global Initiative of USA. He leads the Khoja Heritage Project at the World Federation and co-founded the Mulla Asghar Memorial Library in Toronto. With over 30 years of experience in documenting the evolution of the Khoja community and 26 publications to his name, Dhows to Diaspora is his 27th work—a deeply reflective and community-rooted publication.
In his recorded address, Dr. Walji emphasized that this was not just the launch of a book but the preservation of a people’s narrative. “This is not just a book—it is our story. A story that was being slowly forgotten,” he said. “We feared that future generations may not even know how we came to the shores of Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombasa. But this is more than history—it is a journey of emotions.”
“When I started writing this book,” he continued, “I did not want to pen down dates on a page—I wanted to capture feelings.” Dr. Walji noted that the book pays tribute to unsung heroes and offers direction for future generations, capturing the spirit of unity and sacrifice that defined the community’s journey.
Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Vice Chairman of Africa Federation, in his address, spoke passionately about the significance of the publication. “This is not just a historical record—it is a living legacy,” he said. “You will read about daring missions, bold leadership, and countless individuals who built what we benefit from today. These are not fictional tales—they are real stories of faith, service, and determination.”
Alhaj Aunali bhai shared that the inspiration for this project was first sparked in 2017 in Mombasa during a deeply meaningful conversation with Marhum Alhaj Hassan Ali M Jaffer, whose insight into the Federation’s legacy underscored the need to document its story anew. After Marhum’s demise, he carried the vision forward, determined to see the narrative of the Africa Federation captured for generations to come. Today, that vision has reached its fruition in the form of this long-awaited publication.
He added, “Let this not be a book that lies forgotten on a shelf. Let it be a source of pride, a guide to leadership, and a mirror of our unity. If anyone asks why the Africa Federation is called the Mother of All Federations, this book holds the answer.”
Alhaj Aunali Khalfan expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Archives Section team for their dedication and support in providing information and photographs etc. for the book, they are; Dr. Abbasaley Abbas, Mustafa bhai Pirmohamed, Zoulfikar bhai Vasram, Zaheera bai Alishan, Ismat bai Khimji, Sukaina bai Habib and Arifa bai Somji, he further expressed his gratitude for the immense support received from the Administrative Secretaries and the Chief Operations Officer of the Africa Federation, namely Fatima bai Patel, Shahista bai Manji and Mohamedkazim Sheriff, their painstaking efforts are noteworthy.
AFED Chairman Alhaj Amine Nassor thanked Dr. Hasnain Walji, describing the book as a great achievement and a significant contribution to the Community. He said. “This book is a treasure. We should read it, promote it within our children and families, and that is how our Khoja community will progress—with awareness of its origins and with an inspiration to move forward.”
The ceremonial unveiling of the book was carried out by Alhaj Amine Nassor and Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, followed by the symbolic presentation of the first copy to Alhaj Amine Nassor. Thereafter, the Archives Section honoured all past living Chairmen of the Africa Federation with commemorative copies: Alhaj Ramzan Nanji (accepted on his behalf by Alhaj Manzoor Kanani), Alhaj Anwarali Dharamsi and Alhaj Shabir Najafi were all presented with a copy of the book.
A copy was also presented to the Vice Chairman of the World Federation Alhaj Habib Meghjee and Alhaj Mohamedtaki Jaffer of the Jaffer Family Foundation (JFF) of NY, in appreciation of their support and contribution towards the Book – Dhows to Diaspora total cost.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Alhaj Amine Nassor laid strong emphasis on why this historical record matters today. He concluded the event by quoting from Dhows to Diaspora, leaving the audience with a powerful reflection on the community’s past:
“How can the reader, in the comfort of electric light and the plush cushions of a sofa, begin to fathom the darkness and disarray that once gripped Africa?”
We wish to inform our esteemed readers that copies of Dhows to Diaspora are now available for purchase in print at the Africa Federation Head Office – AFED Tower in Dar es Salaam at TShs 12,000/- or USD $5.
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ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
21st June 2025 / 24th Dhulhijjah 1446 AH
