Iran is looking to strengthen trade relations with African countries as businesses seek alternative export routes and new international markets amid restrictions affecting the country’s foreign trade.
Samad Hassanzadeh, president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, said National Export Day should provide an opportunity to reassess the resilience of Iran’s export sector and identify ways to sustain trade under difficult economic conditions.
Speaking at a meeting of the chamber’s Board of Representatives on Sunday, Hassanzadeh highlighted the need to diversify transport routes, develop land and rail corridors, strengthen border trade, use alternative ports and establish regional settlement mechanisms to reduce disruptions to exports.
He said businesses could no longer rely on traditional logistics networks or wait for international customers to approach them. Instead, Iranian companies needed to identify new markets, engage directly with traders in different countries and develop international partnerships to maintain export activity and protect employment.
Africa Emerges as a Potential Growth Market
Hassanzadeh highlighted Africa as a potential destination for expanding Iran’s foreign trade, following the Iranian Chamber of Commerce delegation’s participation in the Africa Commercial and Industry Summit (ACIS 2026).
During the summit, the delegation held discussions with Kenya’s Minister of Trade and Investment, the president of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and other chamber leaders from African countries.
According to Hassanzadeh, Kenyan business representatives and government officials have expressed interest in expanding economic relations with Iran. He said further research and planning would be necessary to identify opportunities and establish a stronger Iranian presence in African markets.
The chamber is also considering the establishment of a venue where Iranian companies could display and market their products to African buyers. Hassanzadeh said the Iranian ambassador in Kenya was reviewing the proposal, with findings expected to be communicated to interested businesses.
He described current trade between Iran and African countries as relatively limited despite the potential available, arguing that improved planning and stronger commercial relationships could enable Iran to secure a larger share of Africa’s international trade.
Hassanzadeh also pointed to special trade centres established for Chinese companies in Kenya, highlighting the importance of having a physical presence in target markets. While government support remains important for businesses seeking international opportunities, he said private-sector companies must take greater responsibility for developing export relationships, with the Iran Chamber helping to facilitate those connections.
Export Resilience Remains a Priority
The push towards African markets comes as Iranian businesses face restrictions affecting logistics and international commercial transactions. Hassanzadeh said companies needed to work alongside government policies and national programmes to sustain production, preserve jobs and keep goods moving through available trade routes.
He expressed confidence that efforts were being made to address the country’s economic challenges, while emphasising the importance of resolving obstacles to production and private-sector activity.
Beyond trade, Hassanzadeh also outlined the chamber’s plans to support education infrastructure. Following a visit to Yasuj by chamber representatives and provincial chamber presidents, the organisation identified shortcomings in educational facilities and proposed developing business schools in 10 less-privileged provinces.
The chamber plans to prepare regulations for the initiative and invite provincial representatives to submit proposals for selecting the provinces.
For Iran, stronger commercial engagement with Africa could provide an additional route for export diversification. However, turning the opportunity into sustained trade growth will depend on identifying suitable markets, developing effective logistics and payment arrangements, and building lasting partnerships between Iranian exporters and African businesses.