OUR HISTORY


The Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF) traces its origins back to 2011, when the West Africa Islamic Investment Forum was held in Kano, Nigeria. This two-day event, organized by Green Oasis Associates Ltd in collaboration with the Kano State Government, Islamic Development Bank, and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), served as a landmark gathering that highlighted the significant potential of Islamic finance and investments across West Africa.

In response to the success of the forum and the recognition of a growing need for collaboration in the field of Islamic economics, AFRIEF was officially founded in 2013 under the name of Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF). The foundation was established to create a formalized platform for fostering knowledge, cooperation, and development across African nations with a focus on Islamic economic principles and the Islamic economy. Since its inception, we have worked to build connections between governments, businesses, academia, and international financial institutions to drive prosperity and sustainable development across Africa.

However, after more than a decade of impactful initiatives and strategic growth, we recognized the need to further elevate our organizational structure to better address the dynamic needs of the modern global economy and our stakeholders.

In August 2024, we transitioned from the Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFIEF) to the Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF). This change was the result of a comprehensive internal review and was aimed at positioning the organization for more active, collaborative, and large-scale action.

Rationale for the Transition:

  • Expanding Influence and Engagement: The new “forum” model enhances our ability to engage a broader and more diverse range of stakeholders, creating a stronger network of collaboration across sectors and countries.
  • Accelerating Impact through Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation: As AFRIEF, we offer a dynamic platform for the cross-sector exchange of ideas and expertise, emphasizing the practical application of Islamic finance and economic principles in Africa’s growth.
  • Aligning with Africa’s Development Needs: The forum structure ensures that we remain flexible and responsive to evolving challenges, from economic reforms to policy advocacy, and position ourselves as an essential player in Africa’s path to sustainable development.

Our new identity as Africa Islamic Economic Forum (AFRIEF) builds upon a rich history that began with the pioneering work done in 2011 and reflects our commitment to taking the lead in shaping Africa’s economic future through inclusive, ethical, and innovative solutions.