Israel's diplomatic relations with African nations have evolved significantly since its founding in 1948. Initially, many newly independent African states established ties with Israel in the 1950s and 1960s, drawn by shared experiences of nation-building and Israel's offers of technical assistance in agriculture, health, and infrastructure. By the early 1970s, Israel maintained full relations with 33 sub-Saharan countries. However, the 1973 Yom Kippur War and Arab oil embargoes prompted a wave of severances, with most African nations breaking ties under pressure from the Arab League and Organization of African Unity (now African Union).

Restoration began in the 1990s following the Oslo Accords, as Israel engaged the Palestine Liberation Organization. Today, amid ongoing Middle East tensions, Israel holds diplomatic relations with 42 of 44 sub-Saharan African states excluding Arab League members. North African dynamics differ: Egypt and Morocco maintain ties (post-1979 peace treaty and 2020 Abraham Accords, respectively), while others like Algeria and Libya do not. Sudan normalized in 2020. Overall, 46 of Africa's 55 UN-recognized states recognize Israel, reflecting pragmatic interests in trade, security, and technology amid global shifts.

This recognition fosters economic partnerships—Israel exported $1.2 billion in goods to Africa in 2024, focusing on cybersecurity and irrigation. Security cooperation includes training for militaries in Kenya and Ethiopia. Yet, challenges persist: South Africa's 2024 ICJ genocide case against Israel highlights divisions, with 38 African states backing Gaza ceasefires at the UN. Eritrea and Cameroon stand out as non-recognizers of Palestine while aligning with Israel, prioritizing strategic alliances over continental consensus.

The table below lists all 46 African countries recognizing Israel, grouped by region for clarity. Data draws from UN records and diplomatic updates as of October 2025, including recent embassy reopenings in Zambia.

Region Country Year of Recognition Key Notes
North Africa Egypt 1979 Peace treaty; full embassy exchanges.
North Africa Morocco 2020 Abraham Accords; economic hub.
North Africa Sudan 2020 Normalization; U.S. delisting aid.
West Africa Benin 1961 Agricultural aid pioneer.
West Africa Burkina Faso 1961 Security training ties.
West Africa Cameroon 1960 Does not recognize Palestine; military cooperation.
West Africa Cape Verde 1976 Renewed post-Oslo.
West Africa Côte d'Ivoire 1961 Strong trade in tech.
West Africa Gabon 1961 Diplomatic continuity.
West Africa Gambia 1965 Intermittent; restored 1992.
West Africa Ghana 1956 First sub-Saharan tie; embassy in Accra.
West Africa Guinea 1962 Restored 2016.
West Africa Guinea-Bissau 1994 Post-colonial alignment.
West Africa Liberia 1948 Early U.S. ally parallel.
West Africa Mali 1961 Restored 1993.
West Africa Mauritania 2000 Brief; suspended 2009, resumed 2023.
West Africa Mauritius 1962 Island nation; economic focus.
West Africa Niger 1961 Uranium trade links.
West Africa Nigeria 1960 Major oil partner; embassy in Abuja.
West Africa Senegal 1960 Restored 1994; counter-terrorism.
West Africa Sierra Leone 1962 Diamond sector aid.
West Africa Togo 1961 Consistent relations.
Central Africa Central African Republic 1964 Renewed 2016.
Central Africa Chad 1964 Restored 2019; intelligence sharing.
Central Africa Congo (Republic of) 1960 Oil and infrastructure.
Central Africa Democratic Republic of Congo 1960 Restored 1982; vast mineral potential.
Central Africa Equatorial Guinea 1968 Energy deals.
Central Africa São Tomé and Príncipe 1997 Small-island diplomacy.
East Africa Comoros No Does not recognize (Arab League).
East Africa Djibouti No Does not recognize (Arab League).
East Africa Eritrea No Aligns with Israel strategically; no Palestine recognition.
East Africa Ethiopia 1956 Airspace and port access.
East Africa Kenya 1963 Tech innovation hub; embassy in Nairobi.
East Africa Madagascar 1960 Restored 2005.
East Africa Malawi 1964 Agricultural expertise.
East Africa Mauritius Listed above -
East Africa Rwanda 1962 Genocide memorial ties; drone tech.
East Africa Seychelles 1962 Tourism and fisheries.
East Africa Somalia No No relations; Somaliland talks ongoing.
East Africa South Sudan 2011 Independence recognition; refugee aid.
East Africa Tanzania 1964 Restored 1995.
East Africa Uganda 1962 Intelligence and agriculture.
Southern Africa Botswana 1966 Diamond trade.
Southern Africa Eswatini 1968 Monarchy alliance; never severed.
Southern Africa Lesotho 1966 Never severed post-1973.
Southern Africa Namibia 1993 Post-independence.
Southern Africa South Africa 1948 Apartheid-era ties; strained but extant.
Southern Africa Zambia 1966 Embassy reopened 2025.
Southern Africa Zimbabwe 1960 Restored 1993; intermittent.

This list underscores Israel's strategic pivot to Africa for UN votes and markets, countering isolation from Gaza conflicts. While 9 North/East African states abstain due to Arab League solidarity, sub-Saharan momentum builds—evident in 2025's Zambia embassy and parliamentary groups in Ethiopia, Uganda, and others. Future recognitions, like potential Somaliland deals, could expand influence amid U.S.-brokered pacts. Yet, Palestinian recognition by 52 African states (all but Eritrea, Cameroon) signals balanced diplomacy, urging Israel toward two-state progress