INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
chaired by the first vice president, a senior trade official said.According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO), Mohammadreza
Safari, acting director general for Africa at the organization, said on Sunday that Iranian shipping lines are currently operating between
Iran and East and North Africa, with vessels regularly calling at ports in Tanzania, Kenya, and Libya
These ships sail to North and East Africa monthly or bimonthly, depending on cargo volume and logistical coordination.He added that the task
force has decided to establish a framework for expanding maritime connections to West and Southwest Africa, alongside plans to modernize
These include Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria."Iran-Africa trade is largely based on barter agreements, which extend beyond simple
goods exchange and involve complex financial and banking mechanisms," he noted.Iran prioritizes minerals, agricultural products, and
precious stones such as diamonds and gold to import from Africa, while for export, the focus is on petrochemical products, industrial
equipment, and machinery.However, Safari pointed out that African nations prefer investment in local production of equipment and machinery
rather than direct imports
the Iran-Africa summit in 2025.Additionally, Iran has launched a comprehensive offshore farming program in Africa, which is considered
crucial due to foreign exchange restrictions on importing agricultural inputs."Iran can use Africa as a supplier of essential inputs by
allowing private Iranian firms to engage in offshore farming
However, this requires the Ministry of Agriculture to grant import permits and set quotas," he explained.Safari stated that Iranian traders
who invest their own funds and utilize barter mechanisms for offshore farming in Africa will be eligible for special incentives next year
operations in Africa, noting that Iran has so far preferred to buy minerals rather than invest directly in African mines."If we can address
concerns about capital outflow for investments in Africa, mining will not only cease to be a challenge but will become a top priority," he
said.He confirmed that Iran has already identified key mineral extraction priorities in Africa and has a clear strategy on how and where to
The transfer of Iranian technology and mining equipment to Africa is also part of this plan.EF/
