KEY POINTS
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Zimbabwe leverages the Iran-Africa summit to advance bilateral MoUs in pharmaceuticals, agriculture tech, and space technology, aiming to mitigate Western sanctions’ impact through Iranian collaboration.
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A 15-day visa-free travel pact and $32 million trade target underscore efforts to deepen ties, though financial hurdles persist due to mutual sanctions.
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The partnership aligns with Zimbabwe’s “Look East” strategy, emphasizing self-reliance and technology transfer to address economic isolation and healthcare gaps.
Zimbabwe’s delegation, led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is actively participating in the third Iran-Africa International Economic Conference in Tehran, aiming to bolster trade, investment, and technological collaboration with Iran.
The Iran-Africa conference, which began on April 28, 2025, focuses on agriculture, mining, and healthcare—sectors critical to Zimbabwe’s economic revival under U.S. and EU sanctions.
Newsday reports that Ambassador Bright Kupemba, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Iran, emphasized the strategic importance of the event, stating; “Iran’s resilience under 45 years of sanctions offers a blueprint for self-reliance.”
Progress on 17 bilateral pacts
The summit builds on 17 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2023 visit to Iran. Notable advancements include a partnership between Zimbabwe’s NatPharm and Iranian pharmaceutical firms to localize drug production, reducing reliance on imports.
In agriculture, Iranian manufacturers are collaborating with Harare to produce drought-resistant farming equipment, while joint space technology initiatives aim to enhance Zimbabwe’s satellite capabilities. “We’ve moved from dialogue to tangible projects,” Kupemba noted, highlighting a mid-term review planned to accelerate implementation.
Zimbabwe’s attendance underscores its “Look East” policy, prioritizing alliances with sanctioned nations like Iran, Russia, and China. Trade between Zimbabwe and Iran currently stands at $32 million annually, but both nations aim to triple this by 2027 through expanded mineral exports and tourism.
A recent visa waiver allows Zimbabweans 15-day visa-free entry to Iran, fostering cultural and business exchanges. Analysts, however, caution that overlapping sanctions could complicate financial transactions. “Both countries face SWIFT restrictions, so alternative payment systems like Russia’s Mir cards or blockchain solutions will be critical,” said Tendai Biti, a Harare-based economist.
Iran’s advancements in cancer treatment have also drawn Zimbabwe’s interest, with discussions underway to establish oncology centers in Harare and Bulawayo. Meanwhile, Tehran seeks access to Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves—vital for electric vehicle batteries—amid global supply chain shifts.
