Welcome to the 2nd Edition of the Federation Pulse.
This edition is dedicated to the enduring spirit of the Africa Federation: Honouring our Past, Strengthening our Present, Shaping our Future.
Inside, we bring you a complete roundup of our latest events and programs, showcasing how we are turning that vision into action.
The President of Pakistan Federation, Alhaj Abul Hassan Gokal, had the privilege of visiting the AFED Offices at AFED Tower and Housing Projects in Dar es Salaam on 3rd February 2026, in the company of the Housing Board Chairman Akil Hirji, Vice Chairperson Shakira Dhanani, and Project Coordinator Mohamed Moledina.
The visit to the ongoing Madina Housing Project was insightful and affirming, and Abul Hassan bhai was impressed with the evident commitment to quality at every stage of the project.
The Project which incorporates essential communal facilities, including four levels of parking, a community hall for events, a multipurpose room, and a gym recognizes housing not merely as shelter, but as a foundation for dignity, wellbeing, and community life.
A visit was made to Amira Apartments in Dar es Salaam, a project that stands as a compelling model of community housing which has been occupied by community members for approximately five years.
The rent-to-ownership model adopted for both and other Housing Projects of AFED provides members with an affordable and practical pathway toward asset ownership.
Abul Hassan bhai then visited the AFED Tower which houses the offices of the Africa Federation and had the opportunity to meet up with the AFED Vice Chairman Alhaj Murtaza Somji, AFED Hon. Secretary Br. Alihassan Kassam, AFED Nominated Councillor Alhaj Aunali Khalfan and AFED COO, Br. Mohamedkazim Sheriff who were present at the office and to tour the building.
The Housing Board records its appreciation to Abul Hassan bhai for taking time to visit its projects and prays that in the near future, all Community members will be able to benefit from self-owned housing solutions.
Secretariat
AFED Housing Development Board
7th February 2026
The Africa Federation Housing Development Board Chairman, Alhaj Akil Hirji, accompanied by AFED Projects Coordinator Mohamed Moledina visited Lilongwe, Malawi on 15th and 16th January 2026.
This visit was a follow-up to discussions held at the 29th Ordinary AFED Conference held in June 2025, where the urgent need for improved facilities for the Jamaat was highlighted. This is in line with the vision of AFED Chairman Amine bhai Nassor that all AFED centres and Madressa facilities are to be well maintained, adequately equipped, and fit for its purpose.
Background and Purpose of Visit
The purpose of the visit was to meet and interview contractors who had submitted bids for the construction of a new building comprising Madressa classrooms, a staff room, and a multipurpose hall.
It may be recalled that in 2022, AFED and the Lilongwe Jamaat had planned to construct a new centre; however, due to unavoidable circumstances, the project could not materialise at that time.
The Jafri Muslim Association of Lilongwe (JMA), a registered institution in Malawi since May 2011, currently comprises approximately 40 families (around 150 heads). The community in Lilongwe is steadily growing, and the existing facilities particularly the Madressa are no longer sufficient to meet the Jamaat’s present and future needs.
Contractor Interviews and Site Visit
The Lilongwe Jamaat arranged meetings and interviews with the shortlisted contractors. The sessions were attended by:
Akil Hirji - AFED Housing Board Chairman
Habib Ali - Chairman - Lilongwe Jamaat Chairman Habib Ali
Mohammed Taha - Managing Committee Member
Rashid - Architect
Andrew - Quantity Surveyor
Mohamed Moledina - AFED Projects Coordinator
All three contractors were interviewed in detail. The assessment focused on their working methodology, technical capacity, available equipment, team structure, and overall experience.
Following the interviews, the delegation conducted a comprehensive site visit of the existing centre and the proposed construction area to assess the current infrastructure and layout. During this visit, Akil bhai toured the existing Madressa classrooms and library, where he met with the Ladies Committee Chairlady and Madressa Principal, Mrs. Kauser Salim, to gain deeper insight into the operational challenges and future requirements.
Project Reassessment and Revised Proposal
Based on the site assessment and discussions, Akil bhai observed that the centre requires significant upliftment. To ensure maximum utilisation of the available plot and long-term sustainability, he recommended revisiting the project design to better serve the Jamaat’s needs over the next 20 years.
Later that evening, Akil bhai held a dinner meeting with the Lilongwe Jamaat Managing Committee and Trustees. He explained that whilst constructing only a Madressa building would address an immediate need, it would soon lead to additional challenges particularly with regards to the ageing Imambargha and overall infrastructure, which requires comprehensive redevelopment.
Drawing on his experience, Akil bhai proposed a revised project concept:the construction of a three-storey integrated building housing all essential facilities under one roof, including:
Prayer Hall / Imambargha (for gents and ladies)
Wudhoo and washroom facilities
Jamaat office
Madressa classrooms
Library and staff room
Medium-sized multipurpose hall
Open floor space for future expansion
This integrated approach would also allow for greater open compound space, improved outdoor sports activities, and adequate parking facilities.
Next Steps and Timeline
Alhamdulillah, the Managing Committee and Trustee Salimbhai welcomed and appreciated the proposal. Akil bhai confirmed that draft drawings would be shared within seven (7) days for Jamaat review and final approval.
This will be followed by fundraising and construction planning, with the aim of commencing works in April 2026. Jamaat members expressed their appreciation and offered valuable suggestions for the new centre.
On 16 January 2026, Akil bhai met with Architect Rashid to formally brief him on the discussions and decisions regarding the proposed integrated centre. Following this meeting, Akil bhai also visited several completed projects undertaken by one of the contractors to assess workmanship quality, capacity, and construction standards.
Project Status
The new Jamaat Centre is currently in the design and development stage, with the AFED Housing Development Board and the Lilongwe Jamaat Committee working closely together to ensure timely progress.
The proposed building will include:
Ground Floor
Prayer Hall/Imambargha for gents and ladies
Wudhoo area and washrooms
First Floor
Six (6) Madressa classrooms
Library and staff room
Jamaat office
Washrooms
Medium-sized multipurpose hall
Second Floor
Enclosed terrace floor reserved for future use
The Housing Development Board is also evaluating structural options, including reinforced concrete versus steel structure. A final decision will be made based on cost estimates and overall feasibility, taking into account pricing received from earlier Madressa-only tenders.
Visuals
The Housing Board records its appreciation to the Lilongwe Jamaat for their hospitality and all the arrangements done during their visit.
Secretariat
AFED Housing Development Board
5th February 2026.
