In recent years, the global geopolitical landscape has shifted away from the US-dominated world order. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war has exacerbated this shift by creating several crises, including food shortages, energy insecurity, and supply chain disruptions. In this context, Africa has emerged as a new hub of global attention.
Africa has 55 countries, abundant natural resources, and a strategic location. These factors make it a potential source of significant benefits for international actors. Iran is one such actor that is seeking new economic opportunities in Africa in order to offset the sanctions imposed on it by the United States.
Iran contends that sanctions serve as an American tool against other countries. In July 2023, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited three African countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. He emphasized the close cultural and social ties between Africa and Iran, and the potential for increased trade and cooperation between the two regions.
In Kenya, Raisi and Kenyan officials signed five memorandums of understanding (MoU) on trade, information technology, livestock, marine life, and investment. The MoUs aim to promote cooperation in these areas and facilitate the exchange of goods and services between the two countries.
In Uganda, Raisi and Ugandan officials signed four agreements on visa waivers, agricultural trade, and security cooperation. The agreements are intended to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote cooperation in these areas.
In Zimbabwe, Raisi and Zimbabwean officials signed twelve contracts on energy, medicine, and information technology. The contracts are intended to promote investment and cooperation in these areas.
Iran’s trade with Africa stood at $2billion in 2022. The agreements signed during Raisi’s visit are expected to boost trade between Iran and Africa and help to diversify Iran’s economy.
Some analysts have interpreted Iran’s recent overtures to Africa as an attempt to gain strategic depth in the region. Others have argued that Iran is simply seeking new markets for its goods and services, which have been adversely affected by US and EU sanctions.
The food-resource-rich African states could provide Iran with a cheaper alternative to imports from Australia and Latin America. Additionally, Iran’s technical assistance in the areas of research and science could help to modernize Africa.
After centuries of being economically and politically dominated by the Western world, African countries are now seeking new partnerships to achieve prosperity. Iran is a promising option in this regard, as it has a strong economy and a long history of cooperation with African countries.
In addition, the Russia-Ukraine war has led Russia to seek new allies in Africa in order to counter the West. Russia is exploiting the anti-Western sentiment that has been growing in Africa in recent years by deploying its Wagner mercenary group to countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The Sahel region, which is rich in natural resources, has a long history of political instability, economic stagnation, and the rise of militant groups. The back-to-back coups in Mali and Burkina Faso in 2022 further strained relations between the United States, France, and these countries. In July 2023, the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, assisted in the overthrow of Niger’s President Muhammad Bazoum in a coup. This prompted the United States and France to suspend trade, investment, and aid to the countries, while also condemning the series of undemocratic events.
The US and EU sanctions have disrupted the Russian economy. Africa has emerged as an alternative market for Russia. Russia aims to increase its trade with Africa from $20 billion to $40 billion under its five-year development plan. The Wagner Group has been active in several African countries and has control over some of the key mines in Central Africa. Its influence continues to grow throughout the region.
The intensification of polarization in the international arena has led to the resurgence of bloc politics. The BRICS countries are seen as a key counterweight to the West-dominated NATO. South Africa is an important member of BRICS and is scheduled to host the upcoming BRICS summit in 2023. The BRICS platform is essential for non-Western countries to forge economic ties and reduce their reliance on Western partners. The BRICS countries together account for more than 30% of the global GDP and a significant share of global production of oil, grain, steel, wheat, and corn.
The BRICS bloc has significant economic and trading potential. The proposed creation of a new global currency by Russia and China could challenge the US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. This could have negative implications for the US economy and its influence over the global financial system.
In recent years, India has significantly increased its investment in Africa, particularly in the healthcare, information technology, agriculture, and education sectors. However, India’s investment in Africa is still dwarfed by that of China at $254 billion.
It is noteworthy that over 40 African countries are participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China. The stability of these countries is essential to the success of the BRI. In return, the BRI offers millions of Africans employment opportunities, as well as infrastructural and economic development. The geopolitical implications of the BRI have become even more complex with the statement by US President Biden that Africa is a critical element in solving global challenges.
The increasing competition among external actors in Africa has led to a complex pattern of power politics in the region. These actors are seeking to expand their influence and achieve their own interests, which has raised concerns from African governments and citizens. However, the increasing attention from external actors is also seen as an opportunity for Africa to attract investment and expertise. How African countries navigate these challenges and opportunities will significantly impact their future development and role in the global system.
*The author is an International Relations graduate from Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
**The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Diplomatic Insight. The organization neither endorses nor assumes any responsibility for the content of this article.
