Iran’s trade with Africa has surged in 2025, with East Africa emerging as a key driver of export growth. Tanzania has become one of Iran’s top five export destinations over the past eight months, underscoring the region’s growing importance in Tehran’s efforts to diversify its markets beyond the Middle East.
Alongside Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Somalia have also become major destinations for Iranian goods. According to the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of Iran, exports to African countries reached 849 million US dollars between March 21 and November 21, marking a 77 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The figure already equals Iran’s total exports to Africa for the entire previous year, with officials expressing confidence that exports will surpass 1 billion US dollars by year-end.
Expanding Product Range
Iran’s exports to Africa include iron ingots, steel, urea, bitumen, food products, motor oil, and cement. Imports from African countries during the same period amounted to 45 million US dollars, reflecting a trade balance heavily tilted in Iran’s favor.
Financing and Investment Push
On December 17, Masoud Berahman, head of the Iran–Africa Joint Chamber of Commerce, announced plans to support Iranian firms investing in Africa. The Export Guarantee Fund of Iran (EGFI) will back up to 3 billion US dollars of investments, while the National Development Fund (NDF) will provide around 2 billion euros to support startups and entrepreneurial projects linked to trade development.
Berahman emphasized Africa’s potential as a growth market, citing its population of 1.45 billion and broad consumer base. He noted opportunities not only for goods but also for technical and engineering services. However, he warned that realizing this potential requires stronger infrastructure, clearer policies, and sustained government support.
Challenges and Roadmap Needs
Despite the growth, Iran’s export sector faces structural challenges. Berahman criticized the absence of a comprehensive trade roadmap, arguing that fragmented approaches risk creating what he described as an “island economy.” He called for closer cooperation between the TPO, the economic diplomacy department, and the Iran Chamber of Commerce to strengthen digitalization and develop an operational roadmap.
He also highlighted the importance of commercial attaches in expanding trade ties. Turkey, for example, maintains 44 trade counselors across Africa, compared with only three active Iranian counterparts. Berahman urged Iran to expand its diplomatic and commercial presence to match its ambitions.
Outlook
Iran’s regional trade experience shows that relying mainly on neighboring markets such as Iraq is insufficient for sustainable growth. Diversification into Africa and other emerging markets is now seen as essential. With coordinated policies, long-term planning, and professionalized export capacity building, Iran hopes to transform its growing trade with Africa into a cornerstone of its global economic strategy.
In summary: East Africa is becoming a critical partner in Iran’s export expansion, with Tanzania and Kenya leading the way. While trade volumes are rising rapidly, the success of Iran’s Africa strategy will depend on building infrastructure, strengthening economic diplomacy, and creating a shared roadmap that aligns government and private-sector efforts.