By At the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference held in Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Iran’s readiness to share its advancements in healthcare, trade, industry, agriculture, security, and peace with African nations. The statement, delivered on Sunday, April 27, underscores Iran’s ongoing efforts to deepen ties with the continent, a strategy rooted in historical solidarity and mutual economic interests.
However, this diplomatic outreach comes at a time of significant domestic and international challenges for Iran, raising questions about the feasibility and implications of such an ambitious pledge.
A Strategic Outreach to Africa
President Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon who has served as Iran’s ninth president since July 2024, made his remarks during the opening of the conference, which runs from April 27 to 29 in Tehran, with further sessions scheduled in Isfahan from April 30 to May 1.
The event coincides with the Iran Expo 2025, set to take place in Tehran from April 28 to May 2, where over 2,500 traders and economic leaders from more than 100 countries, including African delegates, are expected to participate. Pezeshkian’s offer reflects Iran’s broader geopolitical ambition to expand its influence beyond the Middle East, a strategy that has gained momentum in recent years.
Iran’s engagement with Africa is not new. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has sought to build partnerships with African nations, often leveraging shared post-colonial identities and anti-Western sentiment. During the tenure of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013), Iran intensified its African policy, focusing on South-South cooperation and religious ties with Shia communities.
More recently, Iran has deepened its engagement with East African nations like Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, as noted in a 2023 Geopolitical Monitor report. The current administration under Pezeshkian appears to be building on this foundation, with a particular emphasis on economic and technical collaboration.
At the conference, Iranian officials highlighted the potential for a tenfold increase in trade with African countries, pointing to significant opportunities in sectors like healthcare and agriculture. This aligns with the vision of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who has long emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Africa.
As Aref, another official at the conference, noted, Iran’s approach is grounded in principles of justice, dignity, and shared history—a narrative that resonates with many African nations.
Geopolitical Context: Iran’s Role in African Diplomacy
Iran’s outreach to Africa also carries a geopolitical dimension, as evidenced by its role in regional dynamics. In 2023, Israel accused Iran of orchestrating the expulsion of an Israeli diplomat from an African Union (AU) summit, with Algeria and South Africa allegedly acting as Iran’s proxies.
The incident highlighted the AU’s internal divisions, particularly over Israel’s observer status, which it gained in 2021 despite protests from pro-Palestinian members like South Africa and Algeria. Iran’s alignment with these nations reflects its broader strategy of countering Western and Israeli influence in Africa, a continent increasingly seen as a battleground for global powers.
This diplomatic maneuvering is part of Iran’s long-standing effort to position itself as a leader in the Global South. By offering technical expertise and economic cooperation, Iran aims to build alliances that can bolster its international standing, especially at a time when it faces Western sanctions and regional rivalries. However, the success of this strategy will depend on Iran’s ability to deliver on its promises, a challenge complicated by its domestic situation.
Domestic Challenges: A Port Explosion and Nuclear Talks
On the same day as Pezeshkian’s speech, a suspected chemical explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port in Hormozgan province, killing at least 25 people and sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The blast, attributed to poor storage of chemicals by Iran’s crisis management spokesperson Hossein Zafari, occurred at a critical facility that handles container traffic and petrochemical operations.
While there is no direct link to the Iran-Africa conference, the incident underscores the domestic vulnerabilities that could undermine Iran’s international ambitions.
The explosion also comes at a sensitive time for Iran’s foreign policy. On April 27, Iran began its third round of nuclear talks with the United States in Oman, aimed at reviving a nuclear deal amid ongoing tensions. The Shahid Rajaei Port has previously been a target of geopolitical sabotage—in May 2020, Israel was accused of launching a cyberattack that disrupted the port’s operations for days. While the recent explosion appears to be an accident, its timing highlights the precarious backdrop against which Iran is pursuing its diplomatic initiatives.
Can Iran Deliver on Its Promises?
President Pezeshkian’s offer to share Iran’s expertise with Africa is an ambitious one, but its success hinges on several factors. First, Iran must demonstrate that it can provide tangible benefits in areas like healthcare and security, where African nations face significant challenges. Pezeshkian’s background as a former Health Minister (2001-2005) and a physician may lend credibility to Iran’s healthcare offerings, but scaling up cooperation will require substantial resources and coordination.
Second, Iran’s domestic stability will play a critical role. The Shahid Rajaei explosion is a reminder of the infrastructural and safety issues that plague the country, issues that could divert attention and resources away from international projects. Moreover, ongoing economic pressures from sanctions and inflation may limit Iran’s ability to invest in African partnerships.
Finally, Iran must navigate the complex geopolitics of Africa, where it faces competition from powers like China, the United States, and the European Union. While Iran’s anti-Western stance may resonate with some African leaders, others may be wary of aligning too closely with a nation under international scrutiny, particularly as Iran engages in nuclear talks that could reshape its global standing.
Looking Ahead
The Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference marks a significant step in Iran’s outreach to the continent, reflecting both its historical ties and its current geopolitical ambitions. President Pezeshkian’s pledge to share Iran’s achievements with African nations signals a desire to build a mutually beneficial partnership, one that could reshape economic and political dynamics in the region.
However, as Iran seeks to expand its influence, it must address its domestic challenges and navigate the broader geopolitical landscape. The explosion at Shahid Rajaei Port and the ongoing nuclear talks with the U.S. serve as stark reminders of the hurdles Iran faces.
For now, the conference offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration, but the true test will be whether Iran can turn its promises into action—and whether Africa will embrace the partnership on offer.
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