Spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims and businessman the Aga Khan has died aged 88.
According to a statement from the Aga Khan Development Network, the billionaire investor died peacefully surrounded by his family.
Viewed as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
“His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims . . . passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family,” reads the statement.
He took over the reins from his grandfather back in July 1957 at the age of 20, building a network across 30 countries including African states, with investments worth over Ksh. 128 billion annually.
“Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide.”
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, which boasts of establishments such as the Nation Media Group in Kenya, the Aga Khan University and Aga Khan primary and secondary schools.
“As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins, the statement added.”