OUR GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Preamble

The Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF) is established to advance Islamic Economics as an ethical alternative economic paradigm, promoting justice, sustainability, and collective prosperity across Africa. This Governance Framework defines AFRIEF’s leadership architecture, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms to ensure integrity, transparency, and global relevance.

Governance Principles

  1. Separation of Governance and Management: The Board of Trustees governs; the Executive Director manages operations.
  2. Ethical and Ideological Integrity: All decisions and activities must align with Islamic economic principles.
  3. Accountability and Transparency: Regular reporting, audits, and ethical oversight are mandatory.
  4. Global Insight, Local Impact
    Global Advisory Council provides perspective; National Focal Points drive implementation.
  5. Scalability and Adaptability
    The framework allows AFRIEF to grow across countries and regions.

Meetings & Reporting

  • Board of Trustees: Minimum twice annually; special meetings as required
  • Global Advisory Council: At least once annually; advisory reports circulated periodically
  • Executive Management: Weekly internal meetings; quarterly reporting to the Board
  • National Focal Points: Quarterly reporting to the Secretariat

Succession and Continuity

  • The Founder & President oversees long-term succession planning
  • The Executive Director / CEO is appointed and evaluated by the Board of Trustees
  • National (Country) Focal Points are appointed by the Executive Director with Board approval.

  1. 1. Conflict of Interest Policy (COI)

Purpose:
To ensure that all AFRIEF Trustees, Executive Management, National Focal Points, and affiliates make decisions free from personal or financial bias, protecting AFRIEF’s integrity, credibility, and ethical mission.

Key Elements:

  • Definition of Conflict: Any situation where personal, financial, or professional interests could compromise impartiality.
  • Disclosure Requirements: All Trustees, staff, and National Focal Points must disclose any potential conflicts annually and as they arise.
  • Recusal: Individuals with a conflict must abstain from relevant discussions or votes.
  • Monitoring & Enforcement: The Governance & Ethics Committee monitors compliance and addresses violations.
  1. Code of Ethics

Purpose:
To provide clear ethical guidance for behavior, decision-making, and institutional conduct aligned with Islamic economic principles.

Key Elements:

All AFRIEF members, leadership, staff, and affiliates shall uphold the following 11 key ethical principles:

  1. Integrity & Honesty
  • Conduct all activities with truthfulness, fairness, and moral rectitude.
  • Avoid misrepresentation, deception, or falsification of information.
  1. Professionalism
  • Maintain the highest standards of competence, diligence, and responsibility.
  • Perform duties with excellence, efficiency, and respect for AFRIEF’s mission.
  1. Transparency & Accountability
  • Provide open and accurate reporting of decisions, finances, and program activities.
  • Accept responsibility for actions and outcomes, ensuring stakeholders are informed.
  1. Respect & Collaboration
  • Treat colleagues, partners, and stakeholders with fairness, dignity, and respect.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment.
  1. Stewardship of Resources
  • Protect AFRIEF’s financial, intellectual, and human assets.
  • Ensure all resources are used solely for AFRIEF’s objectives and in accordance with Islamic economic principles.
  1. Conflict of Interest Compliance
  • Disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest promptly.
  • Abstain from decisions or actions where personal interests could compromise impartiality.
  • Comply fully with AFRIEF’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
  1. Confidentiality
  • Safeguard all confidential information acquired through AFRIEF activities.
  • Do not disclose proprietary, sensitive, or personal data without authorization.
  1. Advocacy & Representation
  • Represent AFRIEF truthfully and responsibly in public forums, media, and professional interactions.
  • Uphold the organization’s reputation and credibility in all external engagements.
  1. Social Responsibility & Impact
  • Champion ethical, sustainable, and socially inclusive economic development.
  • Promote policies and programs that enhance the well-being of communities across Africa.
  1. Implementation & Enforcement
  • Adhere to AFRIEF’s policies, procedures, and governance standards.
  • Violations of the Code of Ethics will be addressed by the Governance & Ethics Committee, with sanctions ranging from warnings to suspension or removal.
  1. Continuous Learning & Innovation
  • Commit to ongoing learning and the advancement of knowledge in Islamic Economics.
  • Encourage innovative approaches that align with AFRIEF’s ethical, sustainable, and inclusive vision.

.3. Board Charter

Purpose:
To define the role, responsibilities, and authority of the Board of Trustees, ensuring clarity, accountability, and alignment with AFRIEF’s vision.

Key Elements:

  • Board Composition & Appointment: 7–11 Trustees of high integrity; tenure 3–4 years, renewable once.
  • Roles & Responsibilities: Strategic oversight, fiduciary duties, policy approval, Executive Director appointment and evaluation.
  • Committees: Finance & Audit, Governance & Ethics, Fundraising & Partnerships.
  • Meetings: Frequency, quorum, and reporting obligations.
  • Ethics & COI Compliance: Board members must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.
  • Performance Evaluation: Annual evaluation of Board effectiveness and individual contributions.