Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has gradually turned Africa into a strategic area so as to strengthen its economy, extend its political influence and consolidate its position on the international stage. This presence has intensified significantly over the last decade, particularly under President Ebrahim Raisi (2021-2024). The Iranian approach is multidimensional, combining cultural, religious, economic and security tools, while relying on both traditional state instruments and the use of hybrid actors or proxies. Moreover, Teheran has taken advantage of regional crises, notably in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, to intervene either directly or indirectly, while seeking to diminish Western influence. This e-Note aims to summarise the main pillars of Iran’s involvement in Africa.
Download e-Note 93(Only available in French)
Research lines: Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa ; Middle East and North Africa ; Non-Arab Muslim World
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