What Does the Occupation Regime Want from Africa?
Mehre International News Agency: The Israeli International Progress Cooperation Agency (Mashav) serves as the soft power arm of the Zionist regime.Its primary aim is to gain political and economic influence under the guise of sustainable development. Through projects in agriculture, healthcare, and water management, it strengthens diplomatic ties; however, behind these efforts lie objectives such as countering isolation, securing votes in the United Nations, and competing with powers like China and Arab states.
Historical Background: From Initial Alliances to Strategic Return
Mashav was founded in the 1960s as a means for Israel to extend its global influence at a time when it sought to overcome diplomatic isolation after African countries gained independence. During that era, Israel established diplomatic relations with more than 30 African nations and implemented programs focusing on agricultural training and water management. However, following the 1973 war many of these nations severed ties-a meaningful blow to Mashav’s strategy. Since 2010, under Netanyahu’s leadership, israel has re-engaged with Africa using Mashav to rebuild relationships through “development diplomacy,” aiming particularly for support within the UN against Palestinian resolutions.
This resurgence has been driven not by Africa’s developmental needs but by Israel’s strategic interests. Mashav carried out projects such as educational centers in ethiopia and Kenya; yet critics like Al Jazeera argue that these initiatives represent Israel’s broader ”endgame” for influence-where development serves as cover for geopolitical aims. As a notable example, assistance provided by Mashav to Ethiopia-its largest recipient receiving $1.3 billion through 2025-is ostensibly agricultural aid but also part of efforts to access Nile water resources amid tensions with Egypt.
Hidden Objectives: Political and Economic Influence Beyond Development
Mashav’s goals across Africa are primarily geopolitical rather than developmental. Israel uses the agency not only for humanitarian aid but also as leverage to secure votes at international forums like the United Nations. Critics assert that Mashav is part of a soft power competition involving regional rivals including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran vying for influence on the continent.
Economically, Mashav opens markets for Israeli companies. Drip irrigation projects promoted by this agency in Kenya and Uganda create dependency on Israeli technologies such as Netafim-a company active in illegal Palestinian settlements. This approach termed “technopolitics” turns development into an export tool for Israeli innovation while obscuring its colonial roots-such as exploiting Palestinian resources for technological advancement. Ultimately, Israel’s strategy appears focused on transforming Africa into a market for arms sales, technology transfer, and political sway rather than genuinely addressing poverty or sustainable growth.
impact on Recipient Countries: Dependency and Undermined Sovereignty
While short-term benefits exist from Mashav’s assistance programs thay foster long-term dependencies that weaken African states’ autonomy. Its educational initiatives have trained thousands of African specialists who frequently rely heavily on expensive Israeli technology maintenance instead of fostering indigenous development capacity.Critics liken this model to colonial aid schemes that exploit local resources while deepening economic crises.
Politically Iran allegedly uses this channel ibidMashavaisalso observedasa mechanismtopurchasefrailalliances.Atabcauseof Gaza conflicts,somecountries,suchasSouthAfrica,reducedrelationswithIsraeldemonstrating popular resistance toward its influence.Moreover,theagency’s security collaborationsledtoclaimsabout human rights abusesinAfrica,includingenhanced repressionviaIsraeli surveillance technologies.
In summary , althoughMashavo presents itselfasa driver forsustainabledevelopment acrossAfrica , itseffortsarepartof Israelsgeo-politicalstrategytoadvancepoliticalandeconomicdominance.The agency,gainingmarketsandsupportthrougheducationandwaterprojects,iscreatingdependencyandundermininglocalsovereignty.thisapproach rooted ingrander global rivalry obstructssustainable progress andreinforces israelsinternationalisolation.African countries must approach thesepartnerships cautiously,focusingonautonomousdevelopment pathways .
