Islamic Development Bank Institute and Awqaf Mauritius Foundation Convene International Waqf Conference in Port Louis to FosterCommunity Empowerment

Port louis: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Awqaf Mauritius Foundation (AMF) successfully concluded the International Waqf Conference in Port Louis, Mauritius, held from 3 to 5 September 2026. The event focused on exploring how waqf can be revitalized and transformed into a modern driver of socio-economic development, under the theme "Reviving Waqf for Community Empowerment: Building Strong Waqf Foundations through Strategic Management, Good Governance and Sustainable Investment." According to the African Press Organization, the three-day conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including ministers, lawmakers, waqf founders and managers, diplomats, imams, legal practitioners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, academics, youth representatives, and members of the Muslim community from Mauritius and other countries including Comoros, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, Mozambique, Reunion, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom. The co nference provided a platform for examining foundational principles of waqf, governance models, asset development strategies, investment approaches, and legal documentation. It also highlighted the role of waqf institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term social impact. The event commenced with a welcome address from AMF Chairman, Dr. Najmul Hussein Rassool, followed by speeches from notable figures including the Honourable Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem and the Honourable Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed. Mr. Yahya Aleem ur Rehman, Head of Knowledge Leaders at IsDBI, delivered a keynote address on the potential of waqf to contribute to socio-economic development. Subsequent sessions over the first two days covered topics such as the history and principles of waqf, the current state of waqf in Mauritius, governance models, and international experiences in waqf management. A significant part of the conference was a panel discussion on the Waqf Act 1941 and a session on financing waqf projects by IsDB's Awqaf Properties Investment Fund (APIF). These discussions emphasized the importance of enabling legal frameworks, fiduciary oversight, documentation, and innovative financing to advance the waqf sector. The final day was dedicated to a capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening waqf leadership. The workshop provided practical training for waqf managers and legal practitioners, focusing on waqf development, management, operations, and the drafting of waqf deeds in accordance with Shariah requirements and Mauritian legal context. Experts from IsDBI, APIF, and international partner institutions shared insights on roles, strategies, and best practices in waqf development. The training highlighted the need for clear governance structures, robust investment policies, risk management, compliance, monitoring, and the effective use of technology in waqf administration. The participation of IsDBI and APIF representatives underscored IsDB Group's commitment to supporting member countri es and Muslim communities in strengthening Islamic social finance institutions. The Institute praised Awqaf Mauritius Foundation for organizing the conference and acknowledged the contributions from speakers and experts from various countries, enriching the exchange of experiences and solutions.