On Monday, June 23rd, the President of the Republic and the leader of the Ismaili Imamat signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening relations between the two parties. The document covers areas such as education, health, culture, environmental protection, and socio-economic development.
According to a statement from the Aga Khan Development Network, during the signing ceremony, President Daniel Chapo stated that the agreement seeks to consolidate ties between Mozambique and the Ismaili Imamat and to establish partnerships in areas of shared interest, with a particular focus on education. He referred to his visit to the Aga Khan Academy in Matola, Maputo Province, describing it as “a space dedicated to the training of professionals.” He added that the agreement is being signed at a symbolic moment for the country, in the context of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence.
The leader of the Ismaili Imamat highlighted that the agreement represents a continuation of the already existing collaboration between the two parties. He stated that “this understanding will deepen cooperation and enable the development of joint initiatives across various sectors.” The Ismaili leader is in the country at the invitation of the State and will take part in the official ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of independence, alongside other heads of state. This is his first visit to the country since assuming leadership of the Ismaili Imamat earlier this year, following the death of his father.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. During the visit, he held meetings with the President of the National Assembly, representatives of parliamentary groups, and the parliamentary committee on International Relations, Cooperation, and Communities. The Aga Khan Development Network has been present in Mozambique since 1998 through entities such as the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Schools, and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
The Aga Khan Foundation has been active in the country since 2000, running programs in agriculture, health, nutrition, employment, climate resilience, and civil society. In 2024, these programs directly reached over 150,000 people in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula, and Maputo. Through partnerships with the government and local organizations, more than 800,000 people have been impacted.
Source: DE
