Washington's Iran strategy targets China, impacting African economies
via NewsDay Zimbabwe8 min read
A recent analysis suggests that the US's approach to Iran is not a genuine de-escalation but a tactical pause aimed at China. The confrontation, which has already led to rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and inflation across East and West Africa, is seen as a strategy to control strategic energy chokepoints, install a compliant regime in Tehran, and demonstrate military dominance. The article argues that Iran is a chokepoint, and China is the ultimate target, given that nearly half of China's energy imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategy extends to other regions, including Ukraine, Venezuela, and the Strait of Malacca, all of which are critical to China's energy supply. For Africa, rich in critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, platinum group metals, and rare earth elements, the Iran crisis is viewed as a precursor to a larger struggle for resources. The US is reportedly accelerating its efforts to secure these minerals, with Africa as a prime target, often through "peace deals" that grant access to mining rights. The article urges African nations to reject the "resource-for-security trap," strengthen Pan-African unity, and forge strategic partnerships that respect sovereignty.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance its export competitiveness. This development is part of broader efforts in the country, which include securing duty-free access to China for nearly 9,000 products and ARDA delivering 120,000MT as Zimbabwe prepares for El Ni帽o. Other economic activities include Econet InfraCo expanding its tower rollout and advancing solar projects after its VFEX debut, and Mutapa Gold upgrading its laboratory to reduce exploration costs and boost investor confidence. ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. New grain levies have been proposed as Zimbabwe addresses climate and food security risks.
Econet InfraCo is expanding its tower rollout and advancing solar projects following its debut on the VFEX. Meanwhile, ART, a manufacturer, reported a decline in export and paper division volumes by 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022, attributing this to power outages and raw material shortages. Zimbabwe has also secured duty-free access to China for nearly 9,000 products and commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness. Other developments include the government unveiling a five-year tourism strategy, ARDA delivering 120,000MT for El Ni帽o preparedness, and Mutapa Gold upgrading its laboratory to cut exploration costs.
Must ReadZimbabwe has secured duty-free access to the Chinese market for nearly 9,000 product categories under Beijing鈥檚 Pre-Early Harvest Initiative. This arrangement, effective from May 1, 2026, until April 30, 2028, allows qualifying Zimbabwean exports to enter China duty-free under 8,949 tariff lines. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Soda Zhemu stated that this initiative stems from commitments made by China during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Zimbabwe has completed the administrative requirements, with ZimTrade issuing certificates of origin and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority verifying compliance. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira noted that the removal of import duties will make Zimbabwean products more competitive in China, but exporters must still meet China鈥檚 stringent regulatory and phytosanitary requirements. The government plans to continue bilateral negotiations during this two-year period to secure a permanent preferential trade agreement after the Pre-Early Harvest Initiative expires.