
Press Release
NAIROBI: In a groundbreaking move aimed at strengthening economic relations, the International Memon Organization – East Africa (IMO-EA) and the World Memon Business Forum (WMBF) have joined forces with the Turkish African Business Association (TABA). The partnership, formalized during a high-level meeting in Nairobi, signals a new era of collaboration between East African Memons and Turkish enterprises, with a focus on expanding trade, investment, and entrepreneurship across both regions.
The event, which was hosted by Basit Vayani, Secretary of IMO-EA, saw key figures like Mr. Iqbal Advani, Chairman of WMBF, and Mr. Shahid Yakub, Vice President of IMO-EA, coming together to discuss avenues for cooperation. One of the key highlights of the gathering was the official invitation for IMO-EA and WMBF to attend the prestigious African Foreign Economic Cooperation (AFEC) Conference in Istanbul in June 2025, where further collaboration will be explored.
Additionally, the two organizations are working towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would formalize long-term partnerships in diverse sectors such as trade, manufacturing, education, and business empowerment. Another notable outcome is the commitment to connect East African businesses with Turkish distributors, manufacturers, and investors, helping them gain better access to international markets.
Mr. Iqbal Advani expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasizing WMBF’s commitment to enhancing global business ecosystems and creating networking platforms that drive economic growth. He also stressed the importance of fostering international and regional partnerships, with the Memon community playing a pivotal role in this growth. This partnership not only strengthens ties between East Africa and Turkey but also aligns with IMO-EA’s Vision 100, aiming to promote sustainable development and cross-border cooperation, marking a significant milestone for both communities in their shared pursuit of economic progress.