AFED 80th Anniversary - 80 Years, 80 Achievements - Part 2
Between 1966 and 1986, the Africa Federation continued to strengthen its organisational foundations while responding to the changing needs of the community. This period saw progress in Jamaat cooperation, the development of religious outreach through the Bilal Muslim Mission, assistance to community members displaced from Uganda and the growth of connections beyond East Africa.
AFED’s work during these two decades reflected the value of collective leadership and cooperation among constituent Jamaats. The following 20 milestones highlight developments that contributed to the Federation’s continued growth and to the wider community’s social, religious and institutional life.
1. 1966: Unification of the Mombasa Jamaats
On 27 October 1966, the two Mombasa Jamaats were officially unified, bringing the management of trusts and waqf properties under one arrangement.
2. 1967: Establishment of Bilal Muslim Mission
At the AFED Conference in Tanga, the decision was made to establish the Bilal Muslim Mission, extending the teachings of Islam and the Ahlulbayt beyond the established Khoja community.
3. 1967: Appointment of Allama Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizvi
Allama Rizvi was appointed Chief Missionary, helping lay the foundation for the Mission’s religious outreach.
4. 1968: Registration of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania
Registration gave the Mission a formal structure for its growing religious and educational activities.
5. 1968 – 1971: Continuity in AFED Leadership
Alhaj Mohamedali Meghji’s leadership supported the Federation’s organisational development and community initiatives.
6. Early 1970s: Development of the Temeke Centre
The centre became an important base for the Bilal Muslim Mission’s religious, educational and community activities.
7. Early 1970s : Training and Education
The Mission supported training for indigenous scholars, vocational skills and nursery and primary education.
8. 1971: Registration of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya
The registration extended the Mission’s formal presence beyond Tanzania.
9. 1971: Federation Samachar Silver Jubilee
A special Gujarati-language issue marked the Federation Samachar’s Silver Jubilee, preserving community news and connections among Jamaats.
10. 1972: Response to the Uganda Expulsion Crisis
AFED and community leadership responded to the humanitarian challenges faced by Asians expelled from Uganda.
11. 1972: Assistance to Displaced Families
Community leaders helped affected families navigate travel and resettlement during a period of uncertainty.
12. 1974: Leadership of Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer
Mulla Asgharali M. M. Jaffer became AFED Chairman leading the Federation through a further phase of development.
13. 1974 – 1980: Strengthening AFED’s Institutional Role
AFED continued to strengthen its structure and cooperation among Jamaats to address shared regional needs.
14. 1976: AFED’s Contribution to a Global Vision
AFED’s model of cooperation among Jamaats contributed to the vision of a wider platform for Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri communities.
15. 1976: Formation of the World Federation
Established in London in October 1976, the World Federation drew on AFED’s experience in community organisation, education and welfare.
16. 1976: 1st Regional Seminar by Bilal Muslim Mission in Mwanza.
Bilal Muslim Mission held its first regional seminar in Mwanza from 26th - 28th November 1976. The Seminar held under the chairmanship of Maulana Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi was addressed by Haji Ali Mohamed Jaffer Sheriff, Shaykh Mohammad Ali Ngongabure, Sheikh Haroon Rashid Muba and Mzee Khamisi Kitumboy.
17. 1980: Leadership of Alhaj Abdulrasul Lakha
Alhaj Abdulrasul Lakha began his term as AFED Chairman continuing the Federation’s work with its constituent Jamaats.
18. 1983: Leadership of Mohamedbhai Dhirani
Mohamedbhai Dhirani became AFED Chairman guiding the Federation through another period of community development.
19. 1984: Kinshasa Complex and First Sports Festival
The Kinshasa Jamaat completed its Mehfil-e-Masoomeen complex comprising a mosque, madrasah and Imambargah. AFED Chairman Mohamedbhai Dhirani attended its inauguration alongside DRC Vice President Kithima bin Ramazani.
In December, the first Africa Federation Sports Festival was held in Dar es Salaam under the auspices of the Ithna-Asheri Union.
20. 1986: Second Africa Federation Sports Festival
The second festival, held in Mombasa, continued to bring young people together and strengthen regional community connections.
These milestones were not the work of one individual or institution alone. They reflected the contributions of successive AFED leaders, constituent Jamaats, scholars, volunteers and community members who worked towards shared goals.
The enduring achievement of this period was the strengthening of a connected community: one able to organise collectively, respond to challenges, extend religious outreach and build relationships across borders.
These foundations helped shape AFED’s continuing role in serving its Jamaats and the wider Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community.
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
14th November 2026 / 4th Jamadiul Akhar 1448 AH
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