By MOGAMAT ALI SALIE
IN an era defined by global interconnectivity, where economies thrive on collaboration and innovation, the South African Muslim community stands at a crossroads.
With a rich history of entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy, this community has long been an integral part of South Africa’s socio-economic fabric. Yet, in the face of mounting economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality and the need for sustainable wealth generation, there is a unique opportunity for the Muslim community to leverage networking as a powerful tool to exponentially grow its wealth.
Networking, in its essence, is more than just exchanging business cards or making connections on social media. It is about building meaningful, long-lasting relationships that allow for mutual growth, resource sharing and collective success. For the South African Muslim community this concept can be transformative, especially when it is rooted in Islamic values of brotherhood, cooperation and charity.
A tradition of entrepreneurship
The South African Muslim community has always been entrepreneurial. From family-run butcheries and corner shops to prominent businesses in construction, real estate and export, the community has contributed significantly to the country’s economy. In recent years, this entrepreneurial spirit has taken on new dimensions, with Muslim-owned businesses becoming global players. Events such as Gulfood in Dubai, where Muslim entrepreneurs showcase their products to international markets, are examples of the potential that lies within this network.
Yet, the challenge remains: how can this entrepreneurial legacy be harnessed to build generational wealth that benefits not only individual families but the broader community? Networking offers a solution.
The power of collaboration
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the value of community and collaboration, stating, ‘The believers are like a single structure; each part strengthens the other.’
This principle can be applied to business as well. By strengthening the ties within the community through professional networks, Muslim entrepreneurs can create a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth.
Imagine a network where established business owners mentor young entrepreneurs, where experienced professionals share knowledge with those entering their fields and where businesses collaborate to access new markets, share resources and innovate. Such a network can bridge the gaps between established businesses and startups, creating opportunities for investment, mentorship and joint ventures.
The Minara Chamber of Commerce, an organisation deeply embedded in the Muslim business community, is one such platform that has made significant strides in fostering this type of collaboration. By hosting networking events, business summits and trade missions, Minara brings together professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. However, the potential for growth is vast and more can be done to encourage active participation and collaboration across different sectors.
Expanding horizons: global networking
In today’s globalised world, South African Muslims have the added advantage of tapping into international networks. With strong ties to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other parts of Africa, the community is well-positioned to expand its influence and grow its wealth on a global scale.
One powerful example is the halal economy. The global halal market is estimated to be worth over $2 trillion and South Africa, with its reputable halal certification processes, is a trusted player in this space. Through strategic networking, Muslim businesses can position themselves as leaders in halal food production, finance, cosmetics and tourism, not only catering to local markets but also exporting to international markets with large Muslim populations.
Empowering the next generation
Another key aspect of using networking to grow community wealth is investing in the next generation. South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, and within the Muslim community many young people are struggling to find meaningful employment or start businesses. Networking offers a pathway to change this reality.
By creating structured mentorship programmes, young Muslims can benefit from the wisdom and experience of older generations. This mentorship should extend beyond mere advice, encouraging co-investment in startups, internships in established businesses and exposure to global markets. Youth are the future of the community, and by providing them with the tools and networks they need to succeed, the entire community benefits.
Philanthropy and social responsibility
In Islam, wealth is viewed as a trust from Allah and the responsibility to use it for the benefit of others is a core tenet of the faith. Networking for wealth creation must therefore go hand in hand with social responsibility and philanthropy.
The Muslim community in South Africa has a proud tradition of giving, from zakah contributions to charitable foundations that uplift the less fortunate. By integrating these efforts into the broader business and professional networks, the community can ensure that wealth is not only generated but also distributed in ways that create sustainable social impact.
For example, businesses can collaborate to support educational initiatives, community development projects and skills training programmes, ensuring that wealth generation is inclusive and benefits the broader society.
Building an ecosystem of wealth and impact
Networking is the key to unlocking exponential growth for the Muslim community in South Africa. By fostering collaboration between established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, tapping into global markets, investing in youth and integrating philanthropy into business models, the community can build an ecosystem that generates wealth and has a lasting positive impact.
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the Muslim community in South Africa has the potential to become a beacon of success and solidarity, creating not just wealth but opportunities for generations to come. Through the power of networking, this vision can become a reality.
- Mogamat Ali Salie is the co-founder of MuslimFin.
