Iran’s presence in Africa dates back to Indian Ocean trade networks in the 16th century. From the 1960s onwards, trade ties were modernized and intensified under the country’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
These relations continued under the rule of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after he seized power in 1979 and established an Islamic republic. And they continue to this day under the rule of the mullahs.
Tehran has an interest in strengthening its strategic, economic, military security, religiousĀ and scientific and academic partnerships with African countries ā€” while at the same time circumventing international sanctions as much as possible.
The export of technological and industrial know-how plays a particularly important role. In 2025, the volume of trade between Iran and Africa recorded a spectacular increase: Iranian exports rose by 85% compared to 2024.
Iran accepts numerous African students at its universities and is establishing technological and cultural partnerships with several countries on the continent. It is also active in Africa in the humanitarian and health sectors.
Economically, the US-Israel war with Iran comes at a difficult time for many African economies, as a weaker dollar and lower interest rates had given some breathing space to many highly indebted countries.
The war is disrupting global trade, diverting ships from the Suez Canal to the longer route around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, which increases shipping costsĀ and drives up prices for consumers.
Prices at gas stations in NigeriaĀ for example rose by around 11% this week, according to local media.Ā
Analysts warn ofĀ economic consequences for those employed abroad ā€”Ā such as the more than 400,000 Kenyans working in the Gulf states.
Iran and the Alliance of Sahel States
In terms of its foothold in Africa, Iran is still less present than certain Western powers such as France or Germany, explains Dr Salifou Nouhou Jangorzo, lecturer and researcher at the University of Maradi in Niger.Ā
“Iran has diplomatic missions in 22 African countries, which demonstrates its interest in the continent. Through these embassies, it maintains relations in many areas, particularly in the economy. Iran also regularly organizes forums and meetings between Iran and Africa.”
With Western influence in the SahelĀ regionĀ waning, particularly that of France, Iran has moved to deepen its ties with the Alliance of Sahel States ā€”Ā Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
At the end of February, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and his defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, welcomed Burkinabe Defense Minister General Celestin Simpore to Tehran to discuss strengthening the partnership in the field of security.
Niger’s Prime MinisterĀ Ali Lamine Zeine traveled to Tehran in January 2024.
Iran’s possible interest in uranium from Niger
The US, Israel and other countries accuse Iran of wanting to enrich uranium to build a nuclear weapon. The African uranium market could therefore be of interest to Tehran ā€” especially that of Niger, whichĀ has two significant uranium mines, where around 5% of the uranium produced worldwide was mined in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Niger’s ruling junta and Iran had been “working secretly on a deal” to buy 300 tons of uranium, according to a 2024 article in the Africa Defense Forum.Ā
“Iranian officials approached the Niger junta in August 2023, about one month after the July 2023 coup,” according to the articleĀ in the military magazine. “The visit was the first step toward circumventing international sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from developing a bomb.”
However, this has not yet happened, according to Nigerian journalist and writer Seidik Abba, chairman of the International Center for Reflection and Studies on the Sahel (CIRES).
“It is true that Iran has expressed interest in Nigerien uranium as part of its nuclear energy development strategy,” Abba said.Ā “Some speculation even points to ambitions related to nuclear weapons. However, there are currently no intensive economic relations between Niamey and Tehran in this area.”
Tehran has repeated that it is not pursuing a nuclear weaponsĀ program and insisted its plans were purely civilian in nature.
Iranian drones for African states
There is already technological and military cooperation between Iran and Niger.
Niger is buying Iranian drones, according to Abba, and other African countries are following suit. He noted thatĀ Iran is known for its drone manufacturing capabilities
“Today, we know that several African countries want to acquire this type of equipment, especially countries facing terrorism,” Abba said.Ā “A large proportion of the drones are purchased from Turkey, but some countries are also turning to Iran.”
According to Seidik Abba, however, the war could temporarily slow down or halt certain cooperation dynamics between Iran and AfricaĀ because the Iranian regime could be forced to concentrate most of its political, military and diplomatic resources on dealing with the regional crisis in the Middle East.
Shiite communities in Africa
“The cultural sphere, especially the religious sphere, also plays an important role,” said Dr Salifou Nouhou Jangorzo, who noted that Iran as long-standing ties to Africa through its Shiite communities.
Shiites are mainly found in West Africa ā€” in Guinea, Senegal, Niger and Nigeria ā€” and in some countries in East Africa.
The religious rivalry between predominantly Sunni Saudi Arabia and predominantly Shiite Iran also has an impact on the African continent: Tehran uses cultural institutions, scholarships and local networks to spread its ideology.
Shiites regard the imam as a descendant of the family of the Prophet Muhammad. Unlike Sunnis, Shiites advocate a clear separation of religious and political authority.
More than 95% of Mali’s population is Muslim.
Chouala Bayaya Haidara, an imam from Bamako who has close ties to Tehran, strongly condemns the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking leaders of the regime.
“We are witnessing a war of aggression. This is a war crime, a crime against humanity,” Haidara told DW.
“Killing Khamenei is not an act of greatness for America. America would have been great if it had been able to prevent Iran from firing missiles, but Iran continues to fire missiles whenever and wherever it wants.”
Sunni Imam Ayouba Toure from Mali also expressed his solidarity with the Iranian people.
“Who gave America, which has nuclear weapons, permission to manufacture them?” he said. “This leads to the conclusion that they are the world’s police, the masters of the world […] and that others must follow them. This is no longer hegemony, but a jungle.”
Analysts say the consequences for Africa remain uncertain.
Edited by: Keith Walker