Jakarta’s Moment in History: WZWF 2024 Highlights Global Collaboration for Zakat and Wakaf

Author: Ibrahim Abdul Mugis

As the President of Awqaf Africa, I am proud to reflect on the extraordinary success of the World Zakat and Wakaf Forum (WZWF) 2024, held in the dynamic city of Jakarta, Indonesia. This forum, a convergence of thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from over 30 countries, showcased the immense potential of Zakat and Wakaf as tools for global development and social equity.

Awqaf Africa had the distinct honor of serving as the sole digital partner for this landmark event. In this capacity, we provided comprehensive digital solutions, ensuring the seamless delivery of sessions and enabling global participation.

I also had the privilege of moderating two impactful sessions—Session 2: Innovations in Zakat and Wakaf Management and Session 4: Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion—both of which highlighted the transformative power of collaboration and technology in Islamic social finance.

A Platform for Unity and Vision

WZWF 2024 was a testament to the power of collective vision. Hosted in the bustling metropolis of Jakarta, the forum fostered meaningful discussions on harnessing Zakat and Wakaf for sustainable development, financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation.

The sessions were a rich tapestry of ideas, featuring keynote addresses, expert panels, and engaging workshops. Leaders emphasized the importance of aligning Zakat and Wakaf initiatives with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Maqasid al-Shariah. These insights inspired participants to explore innovative pathways for achieving social equity and economic empowerment.

The Secretary General of WZWF delivered a powerful statement during Session 4, urging the global community to adopt a transformative approach to Zakat and Wakaf. He emphasized:

“We must bring a transformative approach to Zakat and Wakaf, creating new models of operation that respond to the evolving needs of our time and honor the values of dignity, respect, and justice.”

He further issued a Call to Action, challenging participants to:

“Recognize the potential of Zakat, Wakaf, Takaful, and other Islamic financial instruments such as gold, silver, and hajj deposits as dynamic engines for change. Across the Ummah, these resources represent immense untapped potential, waiting to be harnessed for the greater good. It is imperative that we collectively understand and overcome the barriers that have kept these assets stagnant, and instead, mobilize them to serve the Ummah and humanity at large.”

This call resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring attendees to reflect on the untapped power of Islamic financial instruments and the urgency to leverage them for global impact.

Highlights: Innovation and Impact

A key theme of WZWF 2024 was the integration of technology into Zakat and Wakaf management. Discussions on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools demonstrated how innovation can enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity.

Indonesia, as the host nation, showcased exemplary initiatives in Wakaf asset management and Zakat fund distribution. These success stories underscored the country’s leadership in Islamic social finance and served as a model for other nations. For Awqaf Africa, the forum was an opportunity to share our expertise in digital solutions and highlight our programs in youth empowerment, education, and community development.

Moderating sessions on innovations and digital transformation allowed me to engage directly with experts and practitioners, fostering a deeper understanding of how technology can revolutionize Islamic philanthropy. The energy and ideas exchanged reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful impact.

Forging New Partnerships for a Better Tomorrow

WZWF 2024 was not just a platform for dialogue—it was a catalyst for action. Numerous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the forum, paving the way for impactful partnerships.

Among these were agreements between the World Zakat and Wakaf Forum (WZWF) and key stakeholders such as Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia, aimed at advancing Wakaf development across Southeast Asia. Another significant partnership was with GoBaraqah, a digital Islamic finance platform, to innovate transparent and accessible Zakat and Wakaf systems. These MoUs, among others, exemplify a collective commitment to leveraging resources and expertise for global impact.

Awqaf Africa’s Commitment to the Future

As the curtains closed on WZWF 2024, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a transformative event. This forum was more than a gathering; it was a movement—a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

Awqaf Africa is committed to building on the momentum generated in Jakarta. As we continue to empower African youth, advance digital solutions, and foster sustainable community development, we remain steadfast in our mission to transform lives through the principles of Waqaf.

Jakarta has set a new benchmark for future forums, and Awqaf Africa is proud to have been an integral part of this success. Together, let us continue to champion the values of Zakat and Wakaf, creating a world where compassion and sustainability drive our shared progress.

Ibrahim Abdul Mugis
President, Awqaf Africa