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Saudi-Iran rivalry for influence among Africa’s Muslim population
For some time, political influence among Africa’s predominantly Muslim sub-Saharan states has been at the center of a struggle between Shia Iran and the conservative Sunni countries of the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, for instance, through various Islamic Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as the World Muslim League, the World Assembly for Muslim Youth, the Federation of Mab and Islamic Schools, is attempting to promote a conservative Wahhabi Islam that denounces Sufi Islam, the prevailing Islamic order in Africa, as “heterodox” and contrary to the traditional Islam.

NGOs from Saudi Arabia have sponsored the building of mosques and various Islamic centers on the continent many of which are run by Africans of the puritanical Muslims of Wahhabi persuasion who have been trained in the Middle East. Saudi NGOs also distribute fundamentalist literature and offer academic scholarships to further extend their influence.

Unlike Saudi Arabia, Iran’s interest in Africa is not limited to spreading its version of Islam (Shi’ism), but also extends to trade with Africa being  Iran’s top export destination. In 2004, The Iran-Africa Cooperation Headquarters was established in Tehran following a cabinet ratification. Trade between Iran and some African countries continues to grow. African clients of Iran’s export goods include Sudan, Libya and Tunisia. Iran also imports industrial raw materials and fertilizers from Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal. This competition for influence has resulted in a shift on the continent from an overwhelmingly Sufi-inspired Islam to greater religious diversity among African Muslims. Although African Islam remains primarily Sunni, Shia Islam has been able to make significant inroads in countries like Nigeria. In addition, fundamentalists inspired by Saudi Wahhabism, a group that was virtually nonexistent when African states first gained independence, are now an integral part of the religious landscape.