Fortifying Intercontinental Relations: A Diplomatic Endorsement and Rejuvenation of Iran in Africa: An Economic Analysis

Authors

Tekang P. Kwachuh

Abstract

In an era of unprecedented display of diplomatic force and geopolitical novelty, Iran’s recent diplomatic voyage to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe indicates a decade of Tehran’s inaction on the diplomatic front with the continent. Relations between Iran and African states have a strong footing from the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in addition to the fact that they all are members of the UN and other international institutions. Iran, rich in oil wealth and seeking to peacefully use its nuclear program, has been under sanctions from the West for a long time now. This paper examines the diplomatic affirmation and renewal of Iran’s government engagement in Africa from an economic perspective, dwelling on three key questions. What are the key historical contexts in Iran-Africa ties? what factors are responsible for the recent driving force behind Iran’s renewed entente with the continent? And what are the economic effects on Africa? The overall goal of the article is to analyze the economic dimensions responsible for Iran’s engagement with Africa. The article revealed that Tehran’s recent engagement with the continent is because of Western economic sanctions and the need for Tehran to propel its economy by engaging economically with the continent despite Western states courting Africa.

Keywords: Africa, Continents, Economic Effects, Iran, Motivations

Download Full Article