HARARE, July 13 – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi concluded his African tour by signing 12 significant memorandums of understanding with Zimbabwe, further solidifying bilateral relations between the two nations. This followed Raisi’s visits to Kenya and Uganda earlier in the week, marking the first African tour by an Iranian leader since 2013.
During his stay in Harare, President Raisi held a meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The signed memorandums cover a diverse range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and research, science, and technology projects. Notably, the agreements also include plans for the establishment of a tractor manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe, which will be a joint venture between an Iranian company and a local partner.
President Mnangagwa expressed enthusiasm for increased investments in various sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy, although he did not disclose specific investment figures expected from Iran.
Raisi, referencing the economic challenges posed by U.S. sanctions on both Iran and Zimbabwe, emphasized the determination of his country to foster stronger economic ties. The Iranian president’s visit to Africa closely follows his tour of three Latin American countries also grappling with U.S. sanctions.
The African tour signifies Iran’s commitment to expanding its trade relations beyond Europe, seeking partnerships with nations across Asia and Africa. President Raisi’s visit serves as a testament to Iran’s aspiration to engage with the global community at large.
Notably, Iran’s foreign ministry announced that trade with Africa is projected to exceed $2 billion this year. However, no comparative figure for 2022 was provided.
As President Raisi departed Harare for Tehran, accompanied by his Zimbabwean counterpart, the fruitful cooperation agreements forged during his African tour are expected to improve the economic cooperation and pave the way for future collaborations between Iran and the African nations involved.
