Iranian Firms Set to Enter Water Markets in Four African Nations

TEHRAN (Iran News) The decision was formalized during the closing ceremony of the Iran–Africa Cooperation Forum on Engineering Services Export, attended by high-level African delegations as well as representatives from Iran’s National Development Fund and Export Guarantee Fund.

Ali Naqavi, head of the commission, announced that twelve leading Iranian water industry firms — including engineering consultants, contractors, and manufacturers — showcased their expertise during B2B meetings with African representatives. Delegates from the four countries also toured Tehran’s major water treatment projects.

Naqavi praised Iranian exporters for their resilience, noting that “in the current economic conditions, companies that export engineering services are the most courageous,” given that Iranian banks face restrictions on issuing direct guarantees, while foreign competitors operate with fewer obstacles. He said African partners’ strong interest demonstrates that “with coordinated effort, Iran can unlock its full potential in Africa’s water sector.”

The initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes clean water and sanitation, and aims to help transform Africa into a region of improved living standards through sustainable water management.

A Nigerian representative announced that within twenty days, Nigeria will submit a list of water infrastructure projects suitable for Iranian participation, along with information on local partners. Abu Bakr Hamza Mohammed, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at Nigeria’s Ministry of Water, expressed confidence in Iranian expertise, saying: “We were impressed by Tehran’s 70-year-old treatment plant, still fully operational. It reflects Iran’s deep commitment and technical skill.” He invited Iranian companies to showcase their capabilities at upcoming international water events in Nigeria.

Ramadhani, Director of Infrastructure Development in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, also expressed satisfaction with the partnership, saying Iranian technology is “reliable and advanced.” He noted that visiting Tehran’s SCADA-controlled water treatment system offered valuable insight into modern water management.

Farshid Ahmadi, Investment and Finance Director at the National Development Fund of Iran, announced that the fund holds around $180 billion in assets and has financed more than $40 billion in domestic and international projects. He said the fund is prepared to support up to $2 billion in financing for engineering exports, including direct investment in African projects exceeding $100 million.

Meanwhile, Yousefinejad, a representative from the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran, confirmed that all contract-based guarantees — including bid bonds, advance payments, performance guarantees, and retention bonds — can be issued with minimal cash requirements (2% cash and 98% promissory notes). Because of sanctions, the fund uses intermediary banks to finalize these guarantees abroad.

Mohammad Rezaei of the Iran Water Industry Federation emphasized Iran’s millennia-old expertise in water management, citing ancient qanat systems and Darius the Great’s hydraulic structures, which are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage. “Iran has achieved full maturity across the water industry chain—from design and equipment production to construction and commissioning of large-scale treatment and transmission projects,” he said.

Iranian firms, he added, have successfully executed projects across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the CIS region, including major undertakings in Sri Lanka, the Persian Gulf states, and Venezuela.

Reza Hajikarim, President of the federation, echoed this heritage, highlighting Iran’s long-standing culture of humane engineering. “Over 1,700 years ago, Iranians asked Roman prisoners of war to build water systems instead of harming them. That spirit of civilization remains part of our national identity,” he said.

Hajikarim listed Iran’s key advantages: lower costs, skilled and youthful labor, extensive experience in arid climates similar to Africa’s, and strong cultural ties with African nations. He concluded that these factors uniquely position Iranian companies to contribute effectively to Africa’s sustainable water development goals.