A New Dawn for Islamic Endowment in Africa

In a world where waqf (Islamic endowments) is being reimagined as a tool for sustainable community development, the May 2025 edition of the AWQAF AFRICA Monthly Talk stood out as a milestone event. It brought together over 100 participants — including scholars, financial experts, policymakers, and aspiring mutawallis — under the powerful theme: Building Financial Literacy for the Future of Waqf.

Held virtually and streamed across platforms, the talk ignited a bold vision for the role of waqf in Africa’s economic resilience and social empowerment.

Visionary Voices: Shaping the Future of Waqf

The event began with opening remarks by YBhg. Dato’ Ghazali, Secretary General of the World Zakat and Wakaf Forum (WZWF). He emphasized the urgent need for strong governance and institutional capacity:

“Waqf is not just about giving — it is about managing wisely. Professional governance is no longer optional; it is the key to protecting trust.”

His Excellency Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Deputy Secretary General of WZWF, followed with a passionate address focused on Africa’s potential:

“Africa must raise a new class of courageous, ethical, and financially literate youth to manage waqf assets and lead community transformation.”

Recognizing Strategic Collaboration and Contributions

Dato’ Ali Hassan of ANGKASA Malaysia praised the AWQAF AFRICA team for organizing a program that successfully merged strategic insight with spiritual depth.

One of the most impactful voices of the evening was Hastings Abdullahi, a respected waqf advocate and development strategist from Nigeria. He stated:

“Financial literacy must evolve beyond numbers. It must empower communities to claim ownership of their destinies through disciplined, ethical waqf management. Africa is ready, but we must act with speed and sincerity.”

His message highlighted the growing sense of unity among waqf practitioners across Africa and its diaspora.

A Comparative Lens from Professor Barjoyai Bardai

The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Barjoyai Bardai, a renowned Islamic finance scholar and Advisory Board Member of AWQAF AFRICA. He provided a comparative analysis of waqf models across China, Malaysia, and Africa, noting:

“Africa is not late. Africa is on time — if it combines traditional waqf values with modern financial innovation. The future of global waqf may well emerge from African soil.”

His lecture deeply resonated with young attendees committed to bridging Islamic values with modern financial tools.

Over 100 Participants from Across the Continent

The May 2025 session recorded the highest turnout in the history of AWQAF AFRICA Monthly Talks. More than 100 learners and future leaders joined the discussion, forming the most diverse and dynamic cohort yet. These individuals now stand as the foundation of a growing movement to democratize waqf education and raise local champions.

A Presidential Vision: Closing Remarks by Ibrahim Abdul Mugis

The evening concluded with a visionary call to action by Ibrahim Abdul Mugis, President of AWQAF AFRICA. He reminded the audience that waqf is not merely a legacy from the past but a living system that requires continuous learning and professional literacy to survive and thrive.

“Waqf is not just a legacy — it is a living, breathing system that requires financial exposure, financial proficiency, and most importantly, waqf literacy to thrive.”

He unveiled a six-point Strategic Roadmap for the future of waqf in Africa.

AWQAF AFRICA’s Strategic Roadmap

1. Launch targeted financial literacy programs for waqf stakeholders
2. Strengthen digital infrastructure and fintech adoption for transparency
3. Build strategic partnerships with universities and financial institutions
4. Reform governance policies to support continuous learning and innovation
5. Set measurable KPIs in fund growth, community development, and impact
6. Foster a culture where Shariah-compliant financial practices are the norm

 “This is our moment to integrate legacy with innovation — to reimagine waqf as a strategic engine for the Ummah’s revival. May our efforts be accepted and multiplied.”

Africa Leading the Waqf Revival

As the May 2025 Monthly Talk concludes, one thing is clear: Africa is not waiting to be led — it is already leading. With ethical grounding, strategic literacy, and transcontinental unity, a new chapter in waqf development is being written. AWQAF AFRICA stands at the forefront of this transformation, committed to preparing the next generation of waqf leaders.