Port louis: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Awqaf Mauritius Foundation (AMF) successfully concluded the International Waqf Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 3 to 5 September 2026. Organized under the theme "Reviving Waqf for Community Empowerment: Building Strong Waqf Foundations through Strategic Management, Good Governance and Sustainable Investment," the conference provided a platform to explore how waqf can be revitalized as a heritage institution and transformed into a modern driver of socio-economic development.
According to the African Press Organization, the three-day programme convened a diverse group of participants, including ministers, lawmakers, waqf founders and managers, diplomats, imams, legal practitioners, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, academics, youth representatives, and members of the Muslim community. Attendees came from Mauritius and other countries such as Comoros, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, Mozambique, Reunion, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom.
The conference explored various aspects of waqf, including its foundational principles, governance models, asset development strategies, investment approaches, legal documentation, and the role of waqf institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term social impact. Keynote speeches and sessions covered topics such as the history and principles of waqf, sustainable structuring of waqf assets, and international experiences from Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.
A notable highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on the Waqf Act 1941 and a session on the financing of waqf projects by IsDB's Awqaf Properties Investment Fund (APIF). These discussions emphasized the importance of legal frameworks, fiduciary oversight, professional asset management, and innovative financing in advancing the waqf sector.
The final day of the conference featured a capacity-building workshop focused on strengthening waqf leadership, particularly for waqf managers and legal practitioners. The workshop provided practical training in waqf development, management, operations, and the drafting of waqf deeds, aligning with Shariah requirements and the Mauritian legal context.
Experts from IsDBI, APIF, and international partner institutions shared insights on waqf development strategies, governance structures, investment policies, risk management, compliance, and the use of technology in waqf administration. The participation by IsDBI and APIF representatives underscored IsDB Group's commitment to supporting member countries and Muslim communities in strengthening Islamic social finance institutions.
IsDBI commended the Awqaf Mauritius Foundation for its efforts in organizing the conference and raising awareness about waqf in Mauritius. The Institute also acknowledged the contributions of speakers and experts from various countries, whose participation enriched the exchange of experiences and practical solutions.