Tehran is hosting the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference from April 27 to May 1, 2025, bringing together senior officials, ministers, private sector leaders, economic experts, and representatives from international organizations and the African Union.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, Seyed Rasoul Mohajer, confirmed that the gathering coincides with Iran Expo 2025, where around 2,500 international traders and delegations from 106 countries, including 39 official state delegations, are expected to attend. The events aim to boost economic cooperation, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchanges.
The Iran-Africa Summit, taking place on April 27, will feature participation from 19 African ministers, 14 deputy ministers, and 18 heads of chambers of commerce. According to organizers, African delegates will explore Iran’s regional economic capacities, with planned visits to industrial hubs such as Isfahan.
WAJ’s accessed reports indicate that Iran has expanded its footprint across Africa beyond economic ties. Iran currently maintains over 24 embassies across the African continent and holds observer status at the African Union (AU). Additionally, Iranian cultural centers operate in several African capitals, promoting Persian language, Islamic culture, and facilitating academic cooperation.
Institutions such as the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are active in parts of Africa, engaging in cultural, humanitarian, and educational initiatives. Meanwhile, Iran’s Al-Mustafa International University, known for its religious and academic outreach, also runs programs in some African countries.
Reports also suggest that Iran has expanded its influence through military and security cooperation in selected regions, providing arms sales and training support discreetly to certain African partners. While Tehran officially emphasizes economic and technological collaboration, analysts view its growing defense connections as part of a broader strategy to deepen strategic alliances.
Economic relations have strengthened in sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, and renewable energy. African countries seeking to diversify their international partnerships have increasingly engaged with Iran, seeing it as an alternative to traditional Western-dominated markets.
The Tehran conferences reflect the evolving global landscape, where African nations are balancing old alliances with new emerging partnerships.