Aga Khan arrives in Dar for two-day visit

The founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Tanzania Wednesday for a two-day official visit.

The aircraft carrying him touched down at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam at 10 am. The Aga Khan Council said the visit will open opportunities to various sectors and boost the country’s economy.

Cabinet ministers Hussein Mwinyi (Defence and National Service) and Joyce Ndalichako (Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training) received him.

He inspected a guard of honour mounted by members of the Field Force Unit before viewing traditional dances.

Others who received His Highness the Aga Khan were Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, religious leaders and AKDN officials.

The Aga Khan, who is the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, is in the country on the second leg of his East African tour, and was expected to hold talks with President John Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salaam.

The visit coincides with the commemoration of the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee marking 60 years as the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community.

Jubilees in the Shia Ismaili Muslim tradition have served as opportunities to launch or advance social, cultural and economic development projects.

They include hospitals, schools, universities and financial institutions that serve people of all backgrounds and faiths.

The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of AKDN, a global network dedicated to improving the quality of life of all.

The network has made substantive contributions all over the world, including in East Africa where it has a longstanding history.

The AKDN’s institutions are among East Africa’s largest socio-economic agencies.