Bayat said the IRISL currently sends container and dry bulk ships to ports in East Africa every two weeks, adding that Iranian ships also dock at North African ports at least once per month. He said Iran’s shipping activity in Libya is expected to increase with a return of calm to the North African country. The official said the IRISL is seeking to launch a regional office in Africa amid a surge in exports from Iran to the region. IRISL’s increased shipping activity in Africa comes as figures by the Iranian customs office show that trade with African countries more than doubled in the calendar year to March 20. Iranian Foreign Ministry figures also show that Iran signed nearly 50 economic and trade cooperation agreements with African countries in the year to late March.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 13, 2023 20:24 UTC