Port louis: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and the Awqaf Mauritius Foundation (AMF) successfully concluded the International Waqf Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 3 to 5 September 2026. The event aimed to explore the potential of waqf as a heritage institution and its transformation into a modern tool for socio-economic development.
According to African Press Organization, the conference, organized under the theme "Reviving Waqf for Community Empowerment: Building Strong Waqf Foundations through Strategic Management, Good Governance and Sustainable Investment," brought together a diverse group of participants, including ministers, lawmakers, waqf founders, managers, diplomats, and community leaders from various countries, such as Comoros, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
The event featured discussions on the foundational principles of waqf, governance models, asset development strategies, and the role of waqf institutions in promoting transparency and accountability. The opening included addresses from AMF Chairman Dr. Najmul Hussein Rassool and ministers from the Mauritian government, followed by a keynote speech from IsDBI's Mr. Yahya Aleem ur Rehman.
Sessions covered topics such as the history of waqf, sustainable structuring of waqf assets, and international experiences from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. A panel discussion focused on the Waqf Act 1941, while another session led by IsDB's Awqaf Properties Investment Fund (APIF) highlighted the importance of legal frameworks and innovative financing.
The final day included a capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening waqf leadership, providing practical training in waqf development and management, and emphasizing the importance of clear governance structures and investment policies. Experts from IsDBI, APIF, and international partner institutions shared insights on best practices and the effective use of technology in waqf administration.
IsDBI's participation underscored the IsDB Group's commitment to supporting Islamic social finance institutions and promoting knowledge-based solutions. The institute commended AMF for its efforts in organizing the conference and acknowledged the contributions of speakers and experts from various countries.