His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. His family surrounded him at the time of his passing. Following the reading of his will, his successor, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims is expected to be announced.
Who was the Aga Khan IV?
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller. His early years were spent in Nairobi, Kenya, where he developed a lifelong connection to East Africa. His formal education took him to Switzerland’s prestigious Le Rosey School, followed by Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history.
In 1957, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Aga Khan III, as the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims across the world. This transition required him to set aside his academic ambitions, including a planned doctorate in history, and his passion for sports, notably soccer, to take on his new responsibilities.
As Imam, Aga Khan IV emphasized a progressive interpretation of Islam, advocating for knowledge, pluralism, and economic empowerment. His belief that Islam is a faith of reason and compassion influenced his leadership, inspiring numerous initiatives that improved the lives of communities worldwide.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): A Legacy of Impact
The Great Aga Khan IV dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for people in some of the world’s poorest regions. In 1967, he established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a collection of non-denominational agencies that work across multiple sectors, including education, health, culture, rural development, and economic growth.
Today, the AKDN employs approximately 80,000 people and operates in over 30 countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. Its projects have built schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, bringing electricity to millions in underserved areas. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), a key component of the network, has made significant investments in sustainable development projects, fostering economic self-reliance in communities.
What did Aga Khan IV believe in?
Aga Khan IV believed that education was the most powerful tool for transformation. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Education Services and the Aga Khan Academies established schools that emphasize academic excellence and ethical leadership. The crown jewel of his educational initiatives, the Aga Khan University (AKU), was founded in 1983 and has since expanded to multiple countries, offering degree programs in health sciences, education, and media studies.
In healthcare, his efforts led to the establishment of the Aga Khan University Hospital and a network of clinics and hospitals across Asia and Africa, providing high-quality medical care to millions. The Aga Khan Health Services continues to set benchmarks for healthcare excellence in regions where access to quality medical facilities remains a challenge.
Why did Aga Khan IV start Nation Media Group?
Recognizing the need for independent media in East Africa, Aga Khan IV founded the Nation Media Group (NMG) in 1959. Initially launched as East African Newspapers (Nation Series) Ltd, the media house played a crucial role in providing a platform for diverse perspectives during the region’s transition to independence.
Over the decades, NMG has grown into the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa, operating in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. It runs numerous television and radio stations alongside leading newspapers, including The Daily Nation, which remains Kenya’s most widely read newspaper.
His vision for a strong and independent press ensured that NMG became a critical institution in Africa’s media landscape, championing free speech and investigative journalism.
Which brands are owned by Nation Media Group under Aga Khan IV?
The Nation Media Group (NMG), founded by His Highness Aga Khan IV in 1959, is East Africa’s largest independent media company, offering a wide array of media services across the region. In Kenya, NMG operates Daily Nation, Taifa Leo, Business Daily Africa, and NTV Kenya, as well as Nation FM and QFM radio stations. In Uganda, the group publishes Daily Monitor and operates NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and KFM.
In Tanzania, it is known for Mwananchi, The Citizen, and Mwanaspoti newspapers. NMG also runs Nation Africa, a leading digital platform that provides timely news and multimedia content. With its extensive portfolio across print, broadcast, and digital media, the company remains a key player in delivering reliable information and shaping the media landscape in East Africa.
What businesses did he invest in?
Aga Khan IV’s influence extended into economic development through investments in industries that supported job creation and sustainable growth. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development facilitated the establishment of businesses in tourism, manufacturing, and financial services.
In Kenya, his influence is seen in institutions such as Industrial Promotion Services, Allpack Industries, Farmer’s Choice, and Premier Food Industries. His investment in Tourism Promotion Services led to the creation of Serena Hotels, a well-regarded luxury hospitality brand that operates in multiple countries.
Despite being a religious leader, he approached economic development with the pragmatism of a business executive, ensuring that profits from AKFED’s ventures were reinvested into community development projects.
Why did Aga Khan IV create The Aga Khan Award for Architecture?
Aga Khan IV had a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and its role in shaping communities. Through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, he championed efforts to restore historical sites and support artistic expression. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the most prestigious global recognitions in architecture, was established to promote design excellence that meets the social and environmental needs of communities with significant Muslim populations.
His focus on cultural preservation extended to initiatives in music, film, and literature, reflecting his belief that development was not only about economics but also about nurturing a society’s soul.
What did Aga Khan IV love the most?
Despite his immense responsibilities, Aga Khan IV maintained a personal life filled with rich interests. He was an accomplished equestrian and owned one of the world’s most successful horse-breeding operations. His horses won prestigious races, earning him international recognition in the world of horse racing.
His love for sports was evident in his younger years when he represented Iran in skiing at the 1964 Winter Olympics. However, his primary commitment remained to his faith and philanthropic work, which he pursued with humility and dedication.
What awards did Aga Khan IV win during his life?
Throughout his lifetime, Aga Khan IV received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his contributions to humanitarianism, education, and economic development. Governments across the world bestowed upon him state decorations, including the ‘Most Excellent Order of Pearl of Africa, the Grandmaster,’ awarded to him by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in 2017 for his decades of work in Uganda’s development.
Many universities also conferred honorary degrees upon him, acknowledging his profound impact on global education and healthcare.
Who is the successor of Aga Khan IV?
The passing of His Highness Aga Khan IV marks the end of an extraordinary era of leadership. His vision and philanthropic efforts have reshaped societies, touching millions of lives through education, healthcare, media, and economic empowerment.
While his successor has yet to be announced, his legacy is firmly cemented in the institutions he built and the values he championed. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity ensures that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
As the world mourns the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to service, Aga Khan IV’s philosophy—that development is most effective when rooted in knowledge, compassion, and enterprise—remains a guiding light for the future.
Who was the first Aga Khan?
The first Aga Khan, Aga Khan I, was born as Hasan Ali Shah in 1804 in Persia (modern-day Iran) and became the 46th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1817. He was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali, the first Shia Imam. In 1818, he was granted the title “Aga Khan” by the Persian Qajar monarch, Fath Ali Shah, in recognition of his leadership and influence.
Aga Khan I played a crucial role in unifying and leading the Ismaili community during a period of political instability in Persia. In 1840, after a fallout with the Persian government, he moved to India, where he gained prominence and served as a key figure in the British colonial administration. His legacy marked the beginning of the globally influential Aga Khan dynasty that continues to lead the Ismaili community to this day.
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