Since the 1940s, it has served as a central hub for the Jamat in Maputo, and has received many dignitaries over the past eight decades. Its latest guest was Prince Rahim, who toured the building and grounds earlier today.

The Jamatkhana, located a stone’s throw away from the old city’s baixa commercial district, is easily identified by the words Edificio Sua Alteza Aga Khan, or Building of His Highness the Aga Khan, that adorn its central clock tower.

Upon arrival, Prince Rahim was welcomed by Amin Rawjee, President of the Ismaili Council for Mozambique, as the Imamat flag stood raised atop the Jamatkhana. Prince Rahim met with leaders of the Ismaili community and toured the historic Jamatkhana’s spaces, gardens, and religious education classrooms.

The building first opened in 1941 to offer a space for the Jamat who had migrated from South Asia and settled in the port city of Maputo. By the 1960s, the community’s population had grown, and a larger space was needed. Work began on extending the main building in 1963.

The Jamatkhana extension was completed in 1968 and inaugurated by the then Governor General, Dr Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, father of the current President of Portugal, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Later in the day, Prince Rahim visited the Aga Khan Academy Maputo ahead of its official inauguration tomorrow. He spent time with teachers and staff of the school and toured the Academy campus and facilities, including the state-of-the-art science building, sports hall, and newly completed commons building.

Yesterday evening, Prince Rahim was a Guest of Honour at a state banquet hosted by President Filipe Nyusi in honour of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, held at the Presidential Palace Ponta Vermelha, official residence of the President.

In their remarks at the banquet, both President Nyusi and President de Sousa paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam and the efforts of the Aga Khan Development Network to improve quality of life in Mozambique and around the world.