Mozambique Remembers Prince Karim Aga Khan for His Support and Legacy

Former Mozambican Prime Minister Benvinda Levi mourned the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan, highlighting his significant contributions to Mozambique through the Aga Khan Development Network. The network has provided crucial support, especially in the troubled Cabo Delgado province, focusing on education, health, and economic development. Prince Aga Khan IV, who passed away at age 88, leaves behind a profound legacy of philanthropy and community support.

Former Mozambican Prime Minister, Benvinda Levi, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan, recognizing his lasting impact on Mozambique. She emphasized the close relationship between Mozambique and the Aga Khan Development Network, which has been particularly vital during the nation’s most challenging periods, lending crucial support amid the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado. “They were with us even in the worst moments of our history,” Levi stated.

Levi highlighted the significant contributions of the Aga Khan Network in Cabo Delgado, where the organization remained active and supportive, despite the rise of terrorism in the region since 2017. “They were among the few who remained on the ground, carrying out their activities and supporting the population,” she noted. Their projects primarily focus on education, health, infrastructure, and industry, with a cooperative relationship established since 1998.

A noteworthy initiative is the MozTex company, which aims to revive Mozambique’s textile industry, a sector where the country once thrived. Over the past 15 years, the Aga Khan Network has invested more than $6 million in resurrecting the factory and has successfully trained 1,300 employees to support this endeavor. Currently, MozTex produces 5.8 million clothing items annually, primarily exported to South Africa.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away on February 4 in Lisbon at the age of 88. Born in Switzerland in 1936 and raised in Kenya, he was a discreet yet influential figure in international diplomacy and business, particularly focused on alleviating poverty through various initiatives. His life reflects his optimistic yet cautious approach to leadership, dedicating much of his time to community service.

The Aga Khan Development Network operates across various sectors, including culture, education, health, and environmental sustainability, both in Portugal and abroad. Prince Rahim Aga Khan has recently visited Mozambique, further solidifying the enduring link between the Ismaili community and the country, which continues to benefit from the Network’s efforts.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of Mozambique through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). His initiatives have particularly focused on areas like education, health, and infrastructure, primarily in Cabo Delgado, a region severely affected by insurgency since 2017. The Aga Khan Network’s long-standing partnership with Mozambique, initiated with a cooperation agreement in 1998, underscores its commitment to enhancing the living conditions of communities. Aga Khan IV, a prominent figure among Shiite Muslims, was born in Switzerland and had a diverse upbringing, attending prestigious institutions such as Harvard. His lifetime was characterized by philanthropic endeavors aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development. His passing marks a significant loss for many, including those in Mozambique, who have directly benefitted from his organization’s projects and legacy.

The legacy of Prince Karim Aga Khan is deeply intertwined with Mozambique, reflecting a robust partnership that has endured through adversity. The Aga Khan Development Network has played a pivotal role in supporting communities affected by violence in Cabo Delgado while investing significantly in the economic revitalization of the region. His contributions will be remembered not only in Mozambique but also globally, as his vision for a better world continues through the ongoing work of AKDN.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com