About ZAFEMU

Zambia Federation of Muslim Organisations

Introduction

Since time immemorial, the Muslim community in Zambia has lived in peace, harmony, and cooperation with other faith communities. As Zambia’s Muslim population grew and began engaging more with national governance systems, it became necessary to establish a central representative body.

After sustained consultations and collaborative efforts, the Zambia Federation of Muslim Organisations (ZAFEMU) was officially registered in 2024 under the Registrar of Societies.

The inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Zambia Federation of Muslim Organisations (ZAFEMU) was successfully convened on 12th October 2025 at Al Ihsan Trust premises. The AGM marked a historic milestone, bringing together 41 affiliated Muslim organisations from across Zambia, united under a shared vision of collaboration, representation, and structured development of the Muslim community. The meeting was attended by representatives from diverse Islamic institutions, reflecting a broad and inclusive national presence.

Our Vision

To support every Muslim affiliate organisation to achieve more.

Our Mission

To enhance and elevate the impact of our affiliates as they serve their communities with purpose.

Aims & Objectives

  • Unifying Muslim organisations across Zambia.
  • Promoting collaboration while preserving independence.
  • Providing legal and regulatory support.
  • Strengthening engagement with government.
  • Promoting religious harmony and coexistence.
  • Supporting institutional capacity.
  • Maintaining religious integrity.

Our Foundation

ZAFEMU was established through the joint efforts of highly respected and long-standing Muslim institutions in Zambia.

  • Lusaka Muslim Society (est. 1952)
  • Makeni Islamic Society Trust (est. 1972)
  • Jamiah Islamiyyah Trust (est. 1999)

ZAFEMU Leadership

Board Members

Maulana Afzal Itowala

Chairman

He is a distinguished Islamic scholar, Senior Ustaad of Hadith at Jamia Islamiyyah Trust, and Chairman of Lusaka Muslim Society. He is dedicated to Islamic education, Muslim unity, and the development of the Muslim community in Zambia.

Shaykh Yusuf Ayami

Vice Chairman

He is an Islamic scholar, speaker, and Director of Al Qalam Institute. He is actively involved in Islamic education, delivering religious lectures, and promoting Islamic knowledge within the Muslim community in Zambia.

Mufti Ikram Sanaullah

Secretary General

is an Islamic scholar actively involved in Islamic chaplaincy, spiritual guidance, and community outreach. His work focuses on providing religious support and serving the spiritual and welfare needs of the Muslim community.

Brother Yusuf Khankhara

Treasurer

He serves as Treasurer of the Zambia Federation of Muslim Organisations (ZAFEMU), contributing to the federation’s financial administration and supporting its mission of promoting unity, cooperation, and the development of Muslim organisations across Zambia.

Maulana Suhail Pandor

Board Member

He is an Executive Member of ZAFEMU whose primary focus is the administration and development of Makeni Islamic Society, contributing to the growth of Islamic institutions and community services.

Moulana Salman Manjra

Board Member

He serves as an Executive Member of ZAFEMU and Secretary General of Lusaka Muslim Society, contributing to organisational leadership, Islamic institutional development, and community initiatives in Zambia.

Brother Mushtaq Mahomed

Board Member

is a member of the Shura of Tabligh in Zambia, contributing to the work of da'wah, religious outreach, and encouraging Muslims to strengthen their faith and commitment to Islamic values.

Shaykh Abdullah Abdiftah Ali Zakaria

Board Member

is a businessman and an active member of the Somali community in Zambia, contributing to community engagement and initiatives that promote cooperation and development.

ZAFEMU Leadership

Trustees

During the AGM, these individuals were appointed as Trustees of ZAFEMU, entrusted with safeguarding the organisation’s vision, governance, and long-term strategic direction.

Maulana Yusuf Cyclewala

Maulana Yusuf Cyclewala

Trustee

is a respected Islamic scholar, principal of the renowned Darul Uloom in Zambia, Jamia Islamiyyah Trust.

Maulana Haroon Zulu

Maulana Haroon Zulu

Trustee

is a respected Islamic scholar and speaker who addresses various Islamic topics. He is also a key figure in coordinating MUSOWE and contributes to Islamic affairs and community development in Zambia.

Haji Ahmed Pandor

Haji Ahmed Pandor

Trustee

is a trustee of Makeni Islamic Society Trust and serves as the secretary general of Makeni Islamic Society Trust, contributing to the administration and development of the Muslim community in Zambia.

Haji Zuneid Patel

Haji Zuneid Patel

Trustee

is a Director of Trade Kings and a committed well-wisher of the Muslim community, contributing positively to its growth, development, and welfare in Zambia.

Haji Ashraf Patel

Haji Ashraf Patel

Trustee

is a respected businessman and well-wisher of the Muslim community, contributing positively to its growth, development, and welfare in Zambia.

ZAFEMU Network

Member Organisations

ZAFEMU brings together Muslim organisations, institutions, trusts, societies, and community bodies from across Zambia. Select an organisation below to learn more.