WANA (May 02) – The political and economic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the African continent have long been based on mutual benefit. Given the active foreign policy and regional outreach of Iran’s 14th administration, it appears these ties will be systematically and consistently strengthened within a broader strategic framework.

 

Iran’s cooperation with Africa has always been stable and growing, even under sanctions and Western pressure. Despite challenges, Iran has never abandoned its principled stance toward Africa, emphasizing shared political, economic, and cultural values and consistently standing by African nations and their people.

 

Large parts of Africa, due to historical neglect in the development process, remain among the least developed regions globally. Yet, many African countries, due to their vast land resources, untapped natural wealth, significant population, large consumer markets, and eagerness to overcome historical underdevelopment, are now seen as promising destinations for foreign investment.

 

Africa holds more than a quarter of the world’s arable land and includes eleven of the world’s top producers of various minerals. Experts believe this positions Africa as a hopeful landscape for investment. In this context, Iran’s economic engagement with Africa can open substantial export opportunities for Iranian products, taking advantage of the continent’s vast market.

 

The third Iran-Africa Cooperation Summit, held last week with representatives from 51 countries at the Islamic Summit Hall in Tehran, marked a key initiative by the 14th administration to expand ties with Africa. Speaking at the summit on April 26, 2025, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Africa’s potential and expressed Iran’s readiness to share its achievements and broaden cooperation across all fields.

 

This summit was a turning point in institutionalizing Iran-Africa cooperation. Africa presents a unique opportunity for developing countries to grow trade. Many African nations, seeking to overcome historical setbacks, require imports of goods, services, and skilled labor—areas where Iran can offer substantial support.

 

In a meeting with heads of African delegations at the summit, Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran’s Vice President, highlighted Africa as one of the key emerging centers of global development. He stressed that deepening high-level and comprehensive cooperation with African nations is a key element of Iran’s foreign policy.

 

Attended by senior officials, ministers, African delegation heads, chamber of commerce leaders, private sector representatives, and regional organizations, the summit underscored that while past Iran-Africa summits had yielded valuable outcomes, many agreements were never implemented. The First Vice President noted the need to follow through and operationalize such agreements, adding that Africa offers numerous opportunities for Iran across various sectors.

 

In 2024, Africa was home to 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies and is projected to remain the second-fastest growing continent after Asia. For over two decades, Iran has viewed Africa as an emerging market with immense potential. Additionally, some African countries are realigning their economic and political partnerships, seeking South–South cooperation—making Africa an even more strategic focus for Iran.

 

Although previous Iranian administrations have pursued stable relations with Africa, the 14th administration is actively promoting de-escalation and balanced engagement to ensure a more targeted and strategic development of political and economic ties.

 

According to officials from the Iran-Africa Joint Chamber of Commerce, trade between Iran and Africa currently stands at about $1.3 billion. However, with strengthened political and economic ties—particularly with nations in northern and eastern Africa—this figure could significantly increase.

 

The third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Summit, attended by the President, First Vice President, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, and African dignitaries, reflects the 14th government’s commitment to deepening ties with Africa. The event showcased Iran’s industrial, production, tourism, and commercial capabilities to African delegates, while also introducing Africa’s investment opportunities and large consumer market to Iranian producers and businesses. The summit is expected to play a vital role in accelerating the development of Iran-Africa relations.