Appointment of the Africa Federation Housing Development Board 2025 - 2028

CIRCULAR NO: AFED/031/25                                      Date: December 22, 2025 

The Africa Federation Chairman Alhaj Amine bhai Nassor is pleased to announce the re appointment of Alhaj Akil Hirji of Dar es Salaam as the Chairman of the Africa Federation Housing Development Board for the term 2025 – 2028.

Akil 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.

Akil bhai Hirji – Chairman – Dar es Salaam

Akil bhai is a successful businessman based in Dar es Salaam, engaged in multiple family-owned ventures across diverse sectors. His community service spans nearly four decades, during which he has remained a steadfast advocate for economic upliftment, housing development, and self-sustainability within the community.

As the former Chairman of the Africa Federation Housing Development Board, Akil bhai has, over the past twelve years, spearheaded numerous landmark residential and commercial projects across various Jamaats in Africa. These achievements reflect his clear vision, unwavering commitment, and exemplary leadership.

Beyond his institutional contributions, Akil bhai is actively involved in supporting social and professional initiatives aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged individuals both within and outside the community. His passion for service, coupled with his extensive experience, continues to make him an invaluable asset to the Federation and the wider community.

Over the years, he has had the privilege of serving under several leaderships at both the Dar es Salaam Jamaat and Africa Federation levels. Alongside his community responsibilities, Akil bhai also plays key roles in several corporate and communal institutions and NGO’s, contributing significantly to professional and social development.

Shabir bhai Najafi – Advisor - Kampala

Shabir bhai Najafi has served in several key leadership roles within the community, most notably as Chairman of the Africa Federation (AFED) — the umbrella body for the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaats of Africa — for the term 2016–2019 and re-elected to continue as the Chairman for the term 2019–2022, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in him by the Jamaats across the continent.

During his tenure, AFED saw significant emphasis on welfare, social development, education, housing, income-generating initiatives, and community-centered infrastructure. His leadership prioritised long-term sustainability and improved quality of life for community members.

Since 2022 to date, he continues to serve actively as an AFED Trustee and Housing Board Advisor, contributing his expertise and experience to ongoing strategic initiatives.

Shabir bhai has contributed extensively to the development of various housing projects, including the introduction of rent-to-own arrangements aimed at making community housing more accessible. He has also provided oversight and guidance for community projects across Africa, including those within his own Jamaat in Uganda.

Recognised as a long-standing pillar of organizational leadership, community development, and social welfare, Shabir bhai continues to champion initiatives that promote self-sufficiency. His vision for establishing income-generating projects for the Federation and Jamaats has already materialised through several initiatives under the Housing Board, with additional projects currently in the pipeline.

On the business front, he successfully leads a sizeable portfolio of properties and developments for decades, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his advisory role within the Housing Board and to the broader community institutions he serves.

Shakera bai Kassim Dhanani – Vice Chairperson – Dar es Salaam

Born and raised in India, Shakera bai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounts) and a Master’s degree in English Literature. She began her professional journey in education, teaching for several years before moving to Dar es Salaam after marriage. There, she embraced her role as a homemaker while nurturing her passion for lifelong learning, community service, and entrepreneurship.

Over the years, Shakera bai has made significant contributions across both social and business spheres, holding numerous voluntary and leadership roles within community institutions. She currently manages two successful ventures — one in the printing industry and another in the restaurant sector — and also oversees the management of a real estate property. Her entrepreneurial drive, strategic vision, and ability to lead with creativity and discipline continue to define her professional and personal journey.

Within the Africa Federation, Shakera bai serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the Housing Board, a position she has held for the past three terms, having previously served as a Board Member. In the KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, she heads the Education Section of the Social Services Committee (for the past two terms) and has formerly served as Vice-Chairlady of the Ladies Managing Committee, continuing to offer her support in various voluntary capacities. She is also a longstanding member of the KSIJ Ladies Security/Task Force Team, and in 2014, she successfully chaired and led the organization and execution of the Africa Federation Ladies Sports Festival.

Beyond her community commitments, Shakera bai remains actively engaged in broader social and humanitarian causes. She contributes to initiatives such as the Imam Hussain Banquet, WIPAHS, and the Lions Club, promoting community upliftment and humanitarian service.

Guided by sincerity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility, Shakera bai is known for her unwavering dedication to service and is always ready to serve with a smile.

Zakiya Riyaz Ali Khamisa – Legal Advisor – Dar es Salaam

Zakiya bai holds a Bachelor’s degree with majors in English Literature, Political Science and Psychology, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. She was admitted to the Bar Council of Raipur, Chhattisgarh in 1999 and has been enrolled as an Advocate in Tanzania since December 2015.

Since June 2000, she has served as the Legal Head of MeTL Group, one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in East Africa. In this capacity, Zakiya bai has led the Group’s legal and corporate affairs with integrity, strategic foresight, and commitment to good governance. Her responsibilities have encompassed advising on corporate compliance, managing complex transactions, and safeguarding the Group’s interests across multiple jurisdictions.

Beyond her corporate role, she is passionate about nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Through structured internship and mentorship programs, she has guided numerous young aspiring lawyers, fostering their growth and professional excellence.

In the spirit of public service, Zakiya bai has voluntarily assisted individuals and families in property, matrimonial, and probate matters, as part of her commitment to giving back to the community.

Additionally, she has served as the Legal Advisor to the Housing Board for nine years, handling complex legal matters involving property transfers and related compliance, and contributing to transparent and efficient housing governance.

With over two decades of professional practice, her work reflects a sustained dedication to legal excellence, ethical leadership, and community service.

Irfanhaider Baghehussein Mahershah – Dar es Salaam

Irfanhaider bhai was born in Dar es Salaam and completed his secondary education in Morogoro. He pursued an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT).

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working on various construction projects, including serving as a Site Supervisor for the AFED Tower project and currently overseeing progress of Madina Residency.

With more than six years of hands-on experience in construction and renovation, Irfanhaider bhai has developed strong technical expertise and a solid understanding of project management and site operations.

Yusuf Jiwa - Mombasa

Yusuf bhai is a dedicated community worker with an impressive track record spanning over twenty-five years in service to his community. Recognized for his contributions, he has been honoured with the prestigious Abbasi Medal by the Africa Federation. As the immediate past Secretary General and current trustee of the Mombasa Jamaat, as well as a councillor of the Africa Federation, Yusuf bhai has played a significant role in community leadership and development.

Professionally, he is an architect and administrator, bringing a wealth of expertise to his endeavours. His previous engagements include serving as a member of the Lavington Development Committee and the Jaffery Development Committee, as well as being a member of the AFED Housing Board. Yusuf bhai has been instrumental in various development projects within the Mombasa Jamaat and is currently involved in the restoration of the Lamu Mosque and Madressa, further exemplifying his commitment to enhancing the community's infrastructure and cultural heritage. His multifaceted contributions reflect a deep-seated dedication to community upliftment and progress.

Mujtaba Hussein Dungersi - Mombasa

Born and raised in Mombasa, Mujtaba bhai completed his secondary education at Jaffery Academy before pursuing higher studies in the United States. He holds a Diploma in Applied Science from St. Philip’s College, San Antonio, Texas, and further qualifications in Construction Trades from Lehigh Carbon College, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Mujtaba bhai currently oversees the family-owned construction and renovation business in Mombasa, bringing extensive technical expertise and practical experience to the industry.

A passionate sportsman, he has represented Kenya in multiple international cycling and triathlon events and served on the AFED Sports Council as the Vice Chairman from 2022 - 2025.

His strong background in construction, coupled with his leadership and community involvement, will enable him to contribute valuable insight and experience to the Housing Board.

Abaasali Bhimji – Dar es Salaam

Abaasali bhai is a seasoned construction and project management professional with over 15 years of consultancy and construction experience in the commercial, retail, banking, and hospitality sectors across the United Kingdom and Tanzania. 

He has held senior positions with globally respected firms, where he led multiple large-scale projects from inception to completion, focusing on cost management, project delivery, and client relations.

Abaasali bhai holds a Master of Science in Project Management in Construction and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Quantity Surveying. His technical expertise and leadership have been key in ensuring quality, efficiency, and value across complex development programmes. He hopes to contribute towards advancing affordable, efficient, and community-centered housing initiatives.

Habib Ali – Lilongwe, Malawi

Habib bhai was born in Karachi and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Jafri Muslim Association – Lilongwe Jamaat, a position he has held since 2021. He also volunteers as a Trustee of the Rab-e-Kareem Trust of Malawi, operating under the umbrella of the Bilal Muslim Mission. Habib is a passionate, community-driven individual whose work reflects a strong commitment to leadership, creativity, and meaningful engagement.

Professionally, Habib bhai is a banker and has worked with various banks and financial institutions in Pakistan and internationally, contributing to both consumer and corporate sectors, including mobile banking portfolios. He also volunteers as a Trustee of the Pakistan Welfare Association in Malawi.

The AFED Secretariat extends its heartiest congratulations to Akil bhai 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 development@africafederation.org

Secretariat

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