Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi embarked on a three-day tour of Africa, beginning with his arrival in Nairobi, Kenya. Although the visit was delayed by a day, he was welcomed by Kenyan President William Ruto at the presidential palace. This marks the first visit by an Iranian leader to the continent in over a decade, as Iran seeks to alleviate its diplomatic isolation and establish new international alliances.

Following his visit to Kenya, President Raisi is scheduled to continue his tour in Uganda and Zimbabwe, where he will meet with President Yoweri Museveni and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, respectively. This tour comes at a time of escalating diplomatic competition in Africa, as both the West and Russia vie for influence amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on the African continent, leading to sharp increases in prices, particularly for food.

Iran’s visit to Africa is seen as a starting point for fostering economic and trade ties between Tehran and African countries. The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Affairs minister, Nasser Kanani, emphasized the common political views shared between Iran and the three African countries visited during this tour.

As Iran faces strained relations with Western states, it has sought to strengthen its alliances with China and Russia. Recently, Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional body founded in 2001 with China and Russia as its founding members. In addition to the African tour, President Raisi has previously visited friendly countries in Latin America, including Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, where he denounced imperial powers, particularly the United States.

Overall, Iran’s Africa tour represents a strategic move to enhance diplomatic ties, expand economic cooperation, and broaden its network of international allies amid the shifting geopolitical landscape.