A delegation of the Africa Federation (AFED) met with the President of Zanzibar who is also the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. The meeting took place at the State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 16th March 2021.
The delegation included AFED Chairman Alhaj Shabir Najafi, the Vice Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan, the Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Alhaj Hussein Karim, the Chairman of Housing Development Board, Alhaj Akil Hirji and the Chairman of Media and Editorial Board, Alhaj Munir Daya.
The meeting with President Mwinyi commenced with introduction of the members of the delegation by AFED Vice Chairman Aunali Khalfan. He presented a brief profile of Africa Federation and informed of its various activities; encompassing religious, social and humanitarian services in several countries in mainland Africa, Zanzibar and in the Indian Ocean Islands of Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius. Further Aunali bhai spoke about the history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community informing also that many members have originated from Zanzibar and have still a close affiliation with Zanzibar and the people of Zanzibar.
In his congratulatory message to the President of Zanzibar on his recent election to the post, Aunali bhai had the following to say –
“On behalf of our Institution and on behalf of our community members in Africa, I wish to convey our heartiest congratulations to you on being elected to the highest position of the Government of Zanzibar. We pray to Allah (SWT) to grant you good health, long life and success in leading the Government and the people of Zanzibar. May He shower His choicest blessings upon you and to all the peace-loving people of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole.
Your Excellency, through your distinguished leadership you made it possible to bring about a political Affiliation and Unity of the people of Zanzibar when the hope was slim and fading away. You have become a role-model for Peace for many who look upon you with hope and high expectation. We pray for the success and development of Zanzibar; Politically, Economically and Socially”.
His Excellency, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, in his reply appreciated the visit by the delegation from Africa Federation. He took the opportunity of the occasion and informed about generating a conducive environment in Zanzibar for a long-term development plan to attract more investors to improve the economy of Zanzibar which will also benefit positively the people of Zanzibar in various sectors like employment opportunities, businesses and growth in per capita income for better livelihood.
Dr. Mwinyi further mentioned that Zanzibar was looking for serious investors and that the Government Ministries would assist to facilitate smooth and orderly entry. He cited areas such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture and modernized manufacturing industries as some of the conducive areas for investments. The Zanzibar President mentioned about the Blue Economic model which will create the necessary infrastructure that will enable the model to thrive.
AFED Chairman, Shabir Najafi assured the Zanzibar President of Africa Federation’s full cooperation and support in promoting investments in Zanzibar Islands. He further stated that his community had a long history in Zanzibar a large number of the members having originated from Zanzibar.
AFED offered to build a modern deep water-well which was to be in memory of late Syed Hassan Abbas Naqvi, the former Chairman of Africa Federation Tabligh Board (AFTAB) in an area to be identified by the Zanzibar authority where fresh drinking water is most needed.
Shabir Bhai presented to H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi a book titled “The Endangered Species” on the history of our community written by renowned Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Historian, the late Alhaj Hassan Ali M. Jaffer of Mombasa, Kenya.
Alhaj Hussein Karim, Chairman of Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania (BMMT) presented a brief overview of BMMT’s activities which also covered education, health and social services to the communities in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar Islands. He mentioned about the recent free eye camp which was held at Mpendae Secondary School in Zanzibar when the Zanzibar President and his entourage also made a surprise visit to witness the camp activities being carried out by Bilal Muslim Mission doctors and volunteers. Another camp is being planned for Pemba in the next few months.
Above: The Chief Editor of the Federation Samachar and Chairman of Media and Editorial Board, Munir Daya presenting the latest copy of the Federation Samachar (AFED’s Magazine) to H. E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Standing from left is Aunali Khalfan and Shabir Najafi.
A columnist, Munir Daya has been contributing weekly opinions in the local English newspapers in mainland Tanzania for 30 years. He also presented his book titled “Weekends with Munir Daya” to the President.The visit by Africa Federation delegation to Zanzibar and meeting with the Zanzibar President was well covered by the local TV stations and also several newspapers, both in Kiswahili and English languages.
A short video clip of the visit is available for those who may be interested to watch and listen to the President of Zanzibar, H. E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi when speaking with the Chairman of Africa Federation and his delegation.
