Aga Khan and Mozambique Sign Historic Cooperation Agreement

Maputo, Mozambique, June 23, 2025 – His Highness the Aga Khan and His Excellency President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique have formalized a significant partnership through the signing of a cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the Ismaili Imamat and the Republic of Mozambique. This agreement, which encompasses key sectors such as education, health, culture, environmental protection, and socio-economic development, was signed during a ceremonial event attended by notable dignitaries, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Her Excellency Ambassador Manuela Lucas, and the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Her Excellency Margarida Talapa.

The signing marks a continuation of a historical relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Mozambique, which has seen collaborative efforts since the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) began its operations in the country in 1998. The AKDN has focused on improving the quality of life for citizens through various initiatives, including the Aga Khan Foundation, which has been active since 2000. According to a report by the AKDN, their programs prioritized vulnerable populations, reaching over 150,000 individuals directly in 2024 alone (Aga Khan Development Network, 2024).

President Chapo underscored the importance of this agreement, expressing optimism about the future of Mozambique and the potential benefits of strengthened ties with the Ismaili Imamat. "This is an agreement that aims to strengthen the historic ties between Mozambique and the Ismaili Imamat, and to establish and consolidate partnerships in areas of common interest, with a particular emphasis on education," he stated.

His Highness the Aga Khan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the collaborative achievements of their predecessors and the exciting prospects this agreement presents for both parties. "We have a lot to be proud of today, and the agreement that we signed today will allow us to deepen the friendship and collaboration. There is an exciting future ahead for us," he remarked.

The Aga Khan's visit coincides with Mozambique's 50th anniversary of independence, a significant milestone that was celebrated with various events, including a gathering of Heads of State. This visit marks the Aga Khan's first official trip to Mozambique since he succeeded his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, earlier this year as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

The historic agreement is set to enhance the existing framework of cooperation between Mozambique and the Ismaili Imamat, especially in education, where the Aga Khan Academy in Matola has been training future leaders since its opening in 2013. The academy offers a co-educational environment and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, serving over 400 students from various nationalities.

In addition to educational initiatives, the AKDN’s efforts in Mozambique focus on health, agriculture, and civil society strengthening. Programs are designed to be gender-sensitive and target underserved populations, including women and children. For instance, the Moztex garment manufacturing company, supported by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, employs approximately 1,200 people, predominantly women, and has invested heavily in training and development.

As Mozambique continues to navigate its post-independence trajectory, the partnership with the Ismaili Imamat is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's socio-economic development. The cooperation agreement signed today not only reflects the historical ties between the two entities but also represents a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and development in Mozambique’s various sectors.

Looking ahead, both leaders expressed confidence that this collaboration will yield significant benefits for the citizens of Mozambique, paving the way for a prosperous future built on shared values and mutual respect.