Tehran and Harare Solidifies Ties as Tehran Commemorates the 45th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's Victory.

1. Introduction

In an era of unprecedented display of diplomatic force and geopolitical novelty, last year's visit of the Iranian President’s diplomatic tour to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe indicates a decade of Tehran’s inaction on the diplomatic front with the continent. Raisi’s momentous voyage has now orchestrated speculations in the diplomatic front and academia in terms of what Tehran seeks to achieve with a new foreign policy playbook. Historically, when looking at studies of Iranian engagement with the continent of Africa, South Africa occupies the lion’s share accompanied by Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Senegal. Post-Raisi's visit in 2024 has started with the bearing of fruits in Zimbabwe, as Tehran celebrates its 45th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory that saw the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979.

At the celebration of the anniversary in Harare, Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Abbas Navazani unveiled gigantic economic ties with Zimbabwe by pledging his country's support in catapulting trade and economic relations with Harare that will cajole more foreign direct investments. In line with the Ninth Joint Political and Economic Commission that was signed in Tehran in 2023, mechanisms to develop commercial cooperation between Tehran and Harare have increased. Also, both parties have signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and they also entered into economic and commercial alliances in a variety of industries growing by leaps and bounds.

2. Areas of Cooperation Harare Seeks to Reap

There are three areas of cooperation emanating from the MoU between Iran and Zimbabwe, Tehran aims to support the following areas of development that meet the needs of the people of Zimbabwe, especially after numerous visits of both state officials in the heart of international sanctions on their economies.

1. Medical Cooperation
2. Economic and Trade Cooperation
3. Agriculture Development

According to the Navazani “The bilateral relations between the two countries (Zimbabwe and Iran are ever increasing despite the existence of the illegal and cruel sanctions against the two countries. In this regard, Iran will always stand by the government and people of Zimbabwe, and we will overcome these current economic challenges by working tirelessly together,”

3. Conclusion

To summarize, Tehran's diplomatic visits to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe last year represents a dramatic shift in its involvement with Africa, indicating a renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with the continent. The aftermath of President Raisi's visit has already begun to produce real effects, notably in Zimbabwe, where economic cooperation and partnerships have been prioritized. Tehran's outreach, which includes vows to improve commerce, medical collaboration, and agricultural growth, demonstrates its determination to deepen relations and overcome problems alongside its African partners. It should be noted that Iranian-Zimbabwe relations are rooted in the liberation movements in Africa and both countries are under immense Western sanctions that have devastating effects on their economies.