In Brief


In Brief

Bite-size updates from across AKDN

September 2026

Syrian startups gain access to subsidised finance

The Aga Khan Foundation and the Bank of Syria and Overseas are expanding access to subsidised financing for startups and small businesses. Eligible entrepreneurs can use it from October 2026 to grow and create jobs.


September 2026

UCA launches first MSc in economics and data science

The University of Central Asia is accepting applications for a two-year MSc in Economics and Data Science, taught in English in Bishkek. Priority and scholarship applications close 20 September; classes begin 19 October.


August 2026

UCA begins annual melt monitoring on Eastern Pamir glacier

Researchers from the University of Central Asia and Tajikistan's Institute for Glaciers and Cryosphere Studies drilled 12 measuring stakes into Glacier No. 431, setting a baseline for yearly ice loss in the Murgab basin.


August 2026

Sindh and Aga Khan University partner on inclusive education

The university's Institute for Educational Development will set up a special educational needs unit and train more than 2,000 teachers, who are expected to reach an estimated 500,000 children in Sindh.


July 2026

AKF publishes learning review on human-centred design

The Aga Khan Foundation and Act for Impact have published Designing With, Not For, a learning review showing how AKF's human-centred design approach strengthened learning, trust and local leadership …


June 2026

Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa and Kilifi County open oncology unit

The unit at Kilifi County Referral Hospital is funded by France, AfD and AKF through the East Africa Comprehensive  Cancer Project. Patients in the coastal region can now start specialised treatment without long-distance travel. 

June 2026

Prince Hussain Aga Khan gives keynote at Clean Oceans Forum

The Royal Commonwealth Society held the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Forum 2026 at the Ismaili Centre, South Kensington, as part of London Climate Action Week, with a panel on ocean plastic pollution.

June 2026

Aga Khan Scientific Conference calls for evidence-based care in Tanzania

The inaugural two-day forum, jointly organised by Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, brought together nearly 300 health professionals to examine how research, innovation and education can improve patient outcomes.


June 2026

AKDN opens Accelerate Prosperity programme in Syria

AKDN has launched the Accelerate Prosperity (AP) Syria programme in Damascus, giving entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses mentoring, technical support and links to finance and markets. AP …


June 2026

Serena Hotels completes solar rollout across its seven Kenya properties

In East Africa, Serena's solar installations have generated 14.2 million kWh and cut 9,539 tonnes of CO2 since 2017. All seven of Serena's Kenya properties now have solar installations. Tanzania's lodges and camps follow in 2026/27.