Iran to Expand Shipping Lines to West and Southwest Africa

TEHRAN (Iran News) Safari noted that Iran currently operates shipping lines connecting to East and North Africa, with Iranian vessels regularly traveling to ports in Tanzania, Kenya, and Libya. “These ships depart monthly or bimonthly, depending on cargo availability and logistical arrangements,” he said. However, the new initiative focuses on establishing direct maritime connections to West and Southwest Africa, a decision formalized during an Africa Committee meeting. Part of this plan includes modernizing Iran’s shipping fleet to support expanded operations.

Safari outlined Iran’s strategic approach to African trade, categorizing countries into three priority tiers. Nations hosting Iranian embassies, trade centers, or commercial attachés—such as Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria—are at the forefront of this trade push. “These countries are our top priorities for deepening commercial ties,” he emphasized.

Trade between Iran and Africa largely operates on a barter system, though Safari clarified that this extends beyond simple goods exchange. “It involves complex currency and banking mechanisms,” he said, reflecting the challenges of navigating international financial systems under sanctions. Iran primarily imports minerals, agricultural products, and precious stones like diamonds and gold from Africa, while exporting petrochemicals, machinery, and equipment. However, Safari noted a shift in African preferences: “They’re more interested in joint production investments for machinery than direct imports.” Currently, bitumen and urea top Iran’s export list to the continent.

Looking ahead, Safari announced plans for a significant petrochemical export drive at the 2025 Iran-Africa Summit. Additionally, Iran is pursuing an ambitious extraterritorial farming program in Africa to secure agricultural inputs amid domestic currency constraints. “Africa could become a key supplier for Iran’s needs,” he explained. “Iranian private companies could cultivate crops there, with the produce imported back home.” This initiative requires coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture to issue import permits and set quotas. Safari added that traders engaging in such barter-based farming in 2026 would receive special incentives, pending an operational framework agreement with the ministry.

On the mining front, Safari addressed Iran’s extraterritorial mining ambitions in Africa, identifying a key challenge: “Iran prefers buying minerals over investing in African mines.” Overcoming currency export hurdles could position Africa as a priority for mining investments, he suggested, noting that Iran has already identified target minerals and mines. “There’s also potential to transfer Iranian technology and machinery to support these efforts,” he added.

Iran’s push into Africa aligns with its broader strategy to diversify trade partners and reduce reliance on oil exports amid Western sanctions. The Africa Committee, under the Vice President’s leadership, reflects a high-level commitment to this goal. Historically, Iran’s trade with Africa has been modest, but recent years have seen renewed focus, particularly in East Africa. Expanding to West and Southwest Africa—regions rich in resources like oil, gas, and minerals—could open new markets for Iranian goods and secure vital imports.

The extraterritorial farming and mining initiatives underscore Iran’s innovative approaches to circumvent financial restrictions. By leveraging barter systems and overseas production, Tehran aims to stabilize its economy while fostering sustainable partnerships. The modernization of its shipping fleet, meanwhile, signals a long-term investment in logistics to support these ambitions.

As Iran prepares for the 2025 summit, its evolving trade strategy could reshape its economic ties with Africa, offering mutual benefits in a shifting global landscape.