Strengthening Faith Leadership Across Africa
The Best Global Charity Award was presented to the Imam Development Program (IDP), a pioneering initiative founded in South Africa in 2014. IDP equips Imams with the training, resources, and support they need to serve their communities more effectively, transforming the role of religious leadership into a catalyst for social progress.
From Local Beginnings to Continental Reach
Initially launched to professionalise and support Imams in South Africa, IDP now operates across 14 countries, supporting more than 400 Imams. By strengthening religious leaders, the programme indirectly reaches over 2.8 million people annually, making it one of the most impactful Muslim faith-leadership initiatives in the world.
A Holistic Model of Support
The programme combines training in leadership, counselling, and community development with practical support, including stipends and peer networks. Beyond this, IDP runs orphan care initiatives, housing more than 70 children, and invests in education and youth mentorship.
Recognition of Community Transformation
The Best Global Charity Award acknowledges IDP’s quiet but powerful impact – turning Imams into multipliers of resilience, education, and social stability in under-resourced regions.
The Muslim Impact Awards highlight precisely this kind of innovative model: faith-rooted leadership driving holistic community transformation. Nominate a charity that is creating impact for a Muslim Impact Award 2026 here.
