- The world has lost one of the most significant figures in global philanthropy and development.
- At the age of 88, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, died quietly in Lisbon, Portugal, with his family by his side.
- His vision and leadership, as the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, have changed the lives of innumerable people in Africa and beyond.
The Aga Khan IV: An Advocate for the Advancement of the world
His Highness the Aga Khan IV is one of the few world leaders who has had such a lasting influence on Africa. From Kenya to Mozambique, Uganda to Tanzania, his decades-long dedication to social and economic development has had an impact on the continent. He led programs that raised millions of people, irrespective of their background, colour, or religion, and created enduring institutions through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His goals went well beyond providing relief; he supported sustainable, long-term growth that gives people the power to direct their own lives. His steadfast commitment is demonstrated by the AKDN’s efforts throughout Africa, especially in the areas of healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and cultural preservation.
(Credit: Gary Otte)
Changing Education in Africa
His contributions to education were among his most noteworthy. He founded the Aga Khan Academies, a system of educational institutions dedicated to developing future leaders, since he recognized that Africa’s youth held the key to its future. In 2003, the first academy opened its doors in Mombasa, Kenya. Schools in Maputo, Mozambique, and Hyderabad, India, followed. Talented pupils received top-notch, globally recognized education from these schools, enabling African youth to compete on a global scale.
Beyond the academies, the Aga Khan University (AKU), which has campuses in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has been instrumental in preparing the continent’s future generation of journalists, educators, and healthcare workers. The Aga Khan IV promoted evidence-based education, research, and innovation through AKU in areas vital to the socioeconomic advancement of Africa.
(Credit: Nation Foto)
Transforming the Medical Field
His Highness understood that access, affordability, and sustainability were just as important to healthcare as hospitals. The Aga Khan Hospitals and Health Centres were founded in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala under his direction. In addition to offering top-notch medical care, these hospitals trained medical staff to effectively serve their communities.
In addition, the Aga Khan Foundation launched a number of maternal and child health initiatives, enhancing mothers’ and kids’ access to healthcare in isolated and underprivileged areas. He made sure that millions of Africans had access to life-saving therapies by fighting diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria as part of his dedication to health.
(Credit: Mohamed Lalji Ramji)
An Economic Empowerment Vision
The Aga Khan IV was a key figure in the economic development of Africa because he recognized that sustainable development needed to be self-sustaining. He contributed to the establishment of the manufacturing, financial services, and energy sectors through AKDN’s Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), which boosted local economies and produced jobs.
In the banking industry, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has aided Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) and Jubilee Insurance in offering financial services to people, small enterprises, and entrepreneurs throughout East Africa. Millions more Africans now have the ability to invest, save, and plan for the future thanks to these organizations.
Read also: Aga Khan Foundation: Trailblazing towards a sustainable future
His Highness the Aga Khan IV addressing tens of thousands of members of the Ismaili community in Yogit, Darvaz region, Tajikistan, September 1998. (Credit: Zahur Ramji)
Maintaining Traditions and Culture
Beyond social and economic advancement, His Highness recognized the role that culture and legacy have in defining Africa’s identity. In order to keep people connected to their rich past, he sought to restore and preserve historic sites throughout Africa through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. His attempts to strike a balance between contemporary growth and cultural preservation have benefited a number of locations, including Mombasa’s Old Town and Zanzibar’s Stone Town. His work transcends to places globally such as in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Egypt and India to name a few.
In order to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of history, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture was created in 1977 and has since honoured and sponsored architectural projects throughout Africa that combine tradition with contemporary.
(Credit: Zahur Ramji)
A Leader, A Statesman, A Philanthropist
His Highness the Aga Khan IV was a visionary as well as a philanthropist, despite the fact that his contributions to Africa covered decades and disciplines. In order to establish collaborations that put human dignity, peace, and prosperity first, he worked closely with African governments, private businesses, and international organizations.
He always advocated for diversity, tolerance, and moral leadership. He was a fervent supporter of diversity and cohabitation, holding that accepting Africa’s many cultures, religions, and customs was essential to its prosperity.
The world has lost a visionary leader and a steadfast defender of humanity with his departure. However, the organizations, projects, and programs he established throughout Africa and the world will carry on his legacy. His successor, the 50th Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, has been designated and will be announced to the global community in the coming days.
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s contributions to the world will forever be remembered—not just in the buildings, schools, and hospitals he established, but in the lives he transformed and the hope he instilled in millions.
