Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT

The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, on June 18, 2025, visited the Aga Khan Academy located in Matola, the largest suburb of the capital, Maputo, and expressed great appreciation for the education the Academy offers. Mozambique celebrates its 50th Independence Day from Portugal on June 25, 2025.

The Aga Khan Academy was inaugurated on Saturday March 19, 2022, by Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, then Prince Rahim, representing his father, the 49th Hereditary Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, who had laid the foundation stone of the Academy on June 25, 2004.

Flashback 2004: Mawlana Shah Karim, Foundation Ceremony, Aga Khan Academy Maputo

~~~~~~~~

To the students here today, I would like to share with you one perspective. Throughout your studies and your youth, adults will tell you that the future is ahead of you. I want to tell you that the future is what you leave behind you, shaped by every one of your actions and your statements and your decisions. The future follows behind you in the path that you choose. Look at this academy — it’s an institution born of past decisions and past actions, which now will shape the future: your future, the future of your families, and the future of this beautiful country, Mozambique. — Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Maputo, March 19, 2022.

Flashback 2022: Mawlana Shah Rahim Hazar Imam, then Prince Rahim, Inauguration of Aga Khan Academy Maputo

~~~~~~~

June 18, 2025: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo visits Aga Khan Academy

President Chapo’s visit to the Academy took place on Wednesday morning, June 18. During it, he had the opportunity to learn about the functioning of the institution and the programs promoted by the Aga Khan Development Network. According to him, it is a model of excellence in education that combines an international curriculum with a strong leadership training component.

“We are very impressed. The assessment we are making of this visit is extremely positive”, declared the President, highlighting the cultural diversity of the school community and the inclusion of students from different Mozambican provinces and countries such as Syria and South Africa, many of whom are beneficiaries of scholarships.

Addressing the 50th anniversary of national independence celebrations, which will take place on June 25, the President linked the role of education to the country’s development, stressing that institutions such as the Aga Khan Academy contribute to the training of leaders capable of transforming Mozambique.

Tweet: President Chapo visits Maputo Aga Khan Academy

Sociedade
Chapo elogia excelência da academia Aga Khan e defende expansão do modelo pelo país#academiaagakhan #danielchapo #opaisonline #opais #gruposoicohttps://t.co/FJudj8Xg2h pic.twitter.com/QkUXyrixFN

— O País Online (@opaisonline) June 18, 2025

Date posted: June 19, 2025.
Last updated: June 20, 2025 (added more external links, see below).

Featured picture at the top of the post: Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, then Prince Rahim, representing his father Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, looks on as Mozambique’s then-President Filipe Nyusi and Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa unveil the inaugural plaque of the Aga Khan Academy on March 19, 2022.

_________________

External links to related news:

• Club of Mozambique: Chapo praises the excellence of the Aga Khan Academy and advocates the expansion of the model throughout the country
• President Chapo praises the excellence of the Aga Khan Academy and wants more similar investments (also see Photo Gallery)