The event, held
at the Islamic Summit Conference Hall, was inaugurated with the participation
of Iran’s First Vice President and a number of high-ranking African officials,
according to local media.
Iran is hosting
representatives from the African Union, as well as presidents, prime ministers,
economic and trade ministers, heads of chambers of commerce, business leaders,
bankers, insurance executives, and managers of major international companies
from across Africa.
Organizers
described the summit as a milestone for institutionalizing Iran’s cooperation
with the African continent, which they said represents a significant
opportunity for trade and development among emerging economies.
With many African
nations seeking to overcome historical underdevelopment, there is strong demand
for imported goods, services, and skilled professionals — areas where Iran sees
potential to contribute.
More than 700
business representatives from 38 African countries registered for the event,
and over 50 senior officials, including ministers and heads of chambers of
commerce from 29 countries, are attending.
The summit
features four ministerial-level panels covering petrochemicals, mining and
metals, agriculture and food industries, and healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Dedicated B2B meetings aligned with each sector are also scheduled.
On the first day,
four specialized panels are planned. On Monday, delegates will visit the Iran
Expo exhibition, followed by a trip on Tuesday to Isfahan, where they will
attend a specialized panel and visit more than 10 industrial centers and
factories in the province.
The summit runs
from April 27 to 29 in Tehran and will continue in Isfahan from April 30 to May
1.