Aga Khan Foundation

Partnership with AFD

The Aga Khan network is the philanthropic foundation with which AFD has built the strongest partnership. On 9th December 2008, France (AFD and French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs) and AKDN signed a partnership agreement in order to officially seal their excellent collaboration. In September 2009, twelve cofinanced operations had been jointly implemented. Partnerships mainly focus on health, education, support to the financial and private sectors and infrastructure, but also include urban cultural heritage. The topics addressed in this framework are infant and maternal health, support to banks, support to microfinance institutions via Proparco, energy, the tourist industry and telecommunications, as well as education devoted to the study of medicine and science within the Aga Khan education network.

Presentation of the institution

At the end of the 19th century, the Aga Khan’s grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, who led the Ismaelite community, made efforts to meet the needs of South Asia and East Africa. The organization of this network relies heavily on the religious community, which was behind its creation, and on the personality of the Aga Khan. It is composed of six main Foundations and various Funds. Its main aim is to create opportunities and improve living conditions via development of an economic, social and cultural nature. The Aga Khan network also has a real philosophy concerning access to values and cultural openness, which explains why it is so involved in education.

Aga Khan Foundation website
Last update in February 2011