Press Release
12th African Islamic Finance Summit to Be Held in Mauritius
AlHuda CIBE Flagship Africa Summit Returns for a 12th Edition, Uniting Regulators, Investors and Policymakers Across the Continent
(September 14, 2026 - Dubai, UAE): AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) is proud to announce the 12th African Islamic Finance Summit 2026, taking place December 1–3, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Mauritius. Organized in collaboration with Al Barakah Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd (Al Barakah MCSL) and supported by MAC & RO Capital FZC as Gold Partner, the Summit will unite central bankers, regulators, investors, Shariah scholars and policymakers under the theme “Islamic Finance Powering Africa’s Transformation.”
Now in its twelfth edition, the Summit has grown into a leading platform for advancing Shariah-compliant finance across the continent. This year program spans four dedicated sessions covering Islamic banking, financial inclusion, Islamic FinTech, Takaful, Sukuk, and cross-border investment, and is followed by a Post-Event Workshop on Practical Aspects of Islamic Banking, Takaful and Islamic Microfinance on December 2, and an Industry Visit on December 3.
Extending his support ahead of the Summit, H.E. Mr. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to Pakistan, remarked: “This Summit comes at a particularly important time, as Islamic finance continues to gain global recognition as a resilient, ethical and inclusive financial system that promotes shared prosperity, responsible investment and sustainable economic development. For Mauritius, the Summit represents a milestone, providing an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships. I congratulate AlHuda CIBE and Al Barakah MCSL for their outstanding collaboration in bringing this important Summit to Mauritius.”
Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Riad Parvez Hullemuth, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mauritius to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stated: “Islamic finance plays a vital role in promoting sustainable economic development, financial inclusion justice, and ethical investment across Africa. This Summit offers an excellent platform for policymakers, financial institutions, regulators, investors and industry experts to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. I wish the 12th African Islamic Finance Summit every success and hope it further strengthens Mauritius’ position as a leading finance hub in Africa.”
With an estimated 636 million Muslims — nearly 53 percent of its population — Africa represents one of the fastest-growing frontiers for Islamic finance. Markets such as Senegal, Morocco, Sudan, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa are emerging as key growth centers, driven by expanding financial inclusion efforts and rising demand for ethical, Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
Since its inception, the African Islamic Finance Summit has been hosted across Mauritius, Tanzania, The Gambia and Somaliland, drawing more than 1,800 participants from over 80 countries over its first eleven editions — a track record that underscores AlHuda CIBE’s standing as a leading advocate for Islamic finance on the continent.
Commenting on the upcoming Summit, Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda CIBE, said: “Africa remains one of the most promising frontiers for Islamic finance, and Mauritius, as a leading international financial center, offers us the ideal platform to connect global expertise with local opportunity. Through this Summit, we aim to deepen collaboration among regulators, institutions and investors, and to support the development of stronger, more inclusive and Shariah-compliant financial systems across the continent.”
The Summit will also play host to the African Islamic Finance Awards 2026 on December 1, recognizing outstanding institutions, individuals and initiatives driving innovation across Islamic banking, Takaful, Sukuk, microfinance and financial inclusion. Nominations close on November 20, 2026, with recipients to be announced on November 25, 2026. For registration and further details, visit www.alhudacibe.com/aifs26.
About AlHuda CIBE:
Since 2005, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) has established itself as a leading advisory, research and capacity-building institution in Islamic banking and finance, delivering Shariah advisory, product development and training services worldwide. With an alumni network spanning more than 105 countries and a record of over 40 international conferences and forums to date, AlHuda CIBE continues to champion the global advancement of ethical, Shariah-compliant finance. For more information, visit www.alhudacibe.com.
For Media Contact:
Ms. Shehla Hameed
Communication Associate
info@alhudacibe.com
Call: +971 50 842 1423
