Port louis: Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Awqaf Mauritius Foundation (AMF) successfully concluded the International Waqf Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 3 to 5 September 2026. Organized under the theme "Reviving Waqf for Community Empowerment: Building Strong Waqf Foundations through Strategic Management, Good Governance and Sustainable Investment," the conference offered a platform for exploring the revitalization of waqf as a heritage institution that can drive modern socio-economic development.
According to African Press Organization, the three-day event brought together ministers, lawmakers, waqf founders and managers, diplomats, imams, legal practitioners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, academics, youth representatives, and members of the wider Muslim community. Participants from Mauritius and other regions including Comoros, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, Mozambique, Reunion, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom attended the conference.
The conference delved into the foundational principles of waqf, governance models, asset development strategies, investment approaches, practical solutions, legal documentation, and the role of waqf institutions in enhancing transparency, accountability, and long-term social impact. The opening address was delivered by AMF Chairman Dr. Najmul Hussein Rassool, followed by speeches from the Honourable Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem, Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, and the Honourable Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands.
Mr. Yahya Aleem ur Rehman, Head of Knowledge Leaders at IsDBI, delivered a keynote address on "Reviving Waqf: Unlocking a Heritage Asset for Impactful Socio-Economic Development." The event featured sessions on waqf history and principles, governance models, sustainable asset structuring, and international experiences from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Panel discussions included topics such as the Waqf Act 1941 and the financing of waqf projects by IsDB's Awqaf Properties Investment Fund (APIF), led by Dr. Mohamed Ali Chatti and Dr. Hassan Mahfooz. These discussions emphasized the importance of legal frameworks, fiduciary oversight, documentation, professional asset management, and innovative financing for advancing the waqf sector.
The final day focused on a capacity-building workshop on "Strengthening Waqf Leadership: Capacity Building for Waqf Managers (Mutawallis) and Legal Practitioners," offering practical training in waqf development, management, operations, and the drafting of waqf deeds in alignment with Shariah and Mauritian legal requirements. Experts from IsDBI and other jurisdictions provided insights into waqf roles, development strategies, governance, investment policies, risk management, compliance, and technology use in waqf administration.
IsDBI and APIF's participation highlighted their commitment to supporting member countries and Muslim communities in strengthening Islamic social finance institutions. IsDBI acknowledged the efforts of Awqaf Mauritius Foundation in organizing the conference and fostering awareness, capacity building, and community engagement around waqf in Mauritius. The contributions of speakers and experts from various countries enriched the exchange of experiences and practical solutions.