Appointment of the Africa Federation Capacity Building Board (CBG)

CIRCULAR NO: AFED/015/25                                          Date: October 4, 2025 

The Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor is pleased to announce the appointment of Alhaj Shabbirhussein Pyarali Khalfan as the Chairman of the Africa Federation Capacity Building Board for the term 2025 – 2028. 

Following his recent appointment, Shabbirhussein bhai has finalized his team for the term and we are pleased to share the brief profiles.  The team, brings with them a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for community development and capacity building.

Shabbirhussein bhai Khalfan originally from Bukoba pursued his early education in Tanzania before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Analysis and Design from the Institute of Data Processing Management in the U.K.

He has been a key pillar of the Capacity Building Board (CBG) since its inception and has served as its Head since 2013. In 2019, he became the first Chairman of CBG, a position he continues to hold for the 2022–2025 term. Beyond CBG, he has played a vital role in numerous community initiatives, including Bukoba Jamaat, where he was the Founder Chairman of Jaffery Secondary School, a landmark collaboration between the Shia Ismailia and Shia Ithna’asheri Jamaats.

Shabbirhussein bhai’s dedication to service extends into healthcare and wellbeing. He founded the Izaas Medical Project, which has provided over 1,000 prosthetic limbs and walking aids and leads the Fikrafya Foundation, an organization advancing mental health awareness and reducing stigma. With over 300 trained Mental Health First Aiders, the foundation empowers communities with knowledge, support and compassion in addressing mental health challenges.

His professional credentials are equally extensive; he is a Master Life Coach, NPL and NLP Trainer, Marital Mediator, British Psychological Society Certified Psychometric Tool Administrator, Career Counsellor, the first LCIP Trainer in Tanzania and also holds a doctorate in Lions Leadership.

Passionate about empowering individuals through Islamic values, Shabbirhussein bhai remains committed to helping people live purposeful, balanced and meaningful lives.

Inayat bhai Firdousi has served the community in various capacities since a young age, from a nyaz and parking volunteer, funeral committee, dispute resolution, pre-marital talk committee, SAAJ MC Member and SAAJ Vice chairman.

He runs an electrical business and is also a credentialed coach with the ICF coaching individuals, teams and relationships. He is a registered mediator with the Kenyan Judiciary and is a life long learner.

Neelam bai Jiwa serves as the School Business Manager at Jaffery Education Center, Mombasa, where she plays a pivotal role in driving the institution’s smooth operations and sustainable growth.

Her professional journey has always been anchored in education. A graduate of the London Montessori Center, Neelam Bai began her career as a dedicated teacher, shaping young minds with passion and care before transitioning into leadership and management.

To further enhance her expertise, she has pursued numerous professional development programs, including the prestigious Executive Leadership Masterclass, which equips leaders with the tools to design and implement strategies that create lasting organizational impact.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Neelam bai is a devoted wife and proud mother of two. She cherishes family life, enjoys connecting with others, and actively engages in community initiatives and events.

With her unique blend of educational insight, leadership acumen, and community spirit, Neelam bai continues to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to both the Academy and the wider society.

Mumtaz bai Ladak is a visionary and compassionate leader whose journey of over 25 years has been dedicated to empowering communities, nurturing leadership, and fostering sustainable growth across North America and Africa. As a nominated councillor of the Africa Federation, Chairlady of Arusha Jamaat and an active member of the Capacity Building Board, she embodies accountability, authenticity, and collaborative spirit.

With her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and her gift for inspiring others, Mumtaz bai continues to create spaces where people can grow, serve, and lead with purpose strengthening the foundations of our community and guiding it toward a brighter future.

Sidika bai Akil Hirji born and raised in Dar es Salaam holds an International Diploma in Travel from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Geneva. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, she is a qualified and passionate Travel Consultant and a self-taught Tours Expert at Emslies Travel Limited, a family-owned business.

Alongside her professional career, Sidika bai has been actively engaged in community service since 1989, beginning as a Madrasah teacher. Over the years, she has held key leadership roles within the Khoja Shia Ithna’asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, the Ladies Managing Committee, the Ithna’asheri Union Ladies Section, the Africa Federation Economic Empowerment Board, and various World Federation programs.

To enhance her leadership and service, she has undertaken several self-development programs, including the Leadership Development Programme, Mentor Development, and the Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Workshop. She is also a certified Marital Mediator, trained under the World Federation’s Capacity Building program in collaboration with the Mediators College, UK. To further strengthen her expertise in marital mediation, she is currently pursuing certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy with the Gottman Institute, USA.

At present, Sidika bai serves as both a volunteer Mediator and the Honorary Secretary of the Marriage Board of KSIJ Dar es Salaam. Through these roles, she remains committed to strengthening families and supporting the institution of marriage with compassion, guidance, and dedicated service.

Mohamedhussein bhai Rashid is a committed volunteer dedicated to strengthening well-being across different facets of the KSIJ communities.

Professionally, he serves as Director at Rosho, a health-conscious snacking brand in Tanzania. In the past, he has served as Head Patron of the Development Society and Secretary of the Economic Empowerment Committee of KSIJ Dar. During these terms, he and his team, amongst other programs, initiated the Ghadeer Innovative Business Challenge (GIB Challenge), an experience he remains especially grateful for.

His time with the Development Society gave him valuable insight into the needs and aspirations of youth in the community. These experiences in team leadership, program development, and grassroots engagement have strengthened his belief that mental health and capacity building are deeply connected to social and economic empowerment.

The AFED Secretariat extends its heartiest congratulations to Alhaj Shabbirhussein Khalfan and his team on their appointment and wishes them success in the accomplishment of the Board’s goals and objectives set out for the term 2025 – 2028.

The Email contact of the Board is capacitybuidling@africafederation.org

Secretariat