African Christian Leaders Visit Israel to Bolster Ties
A delegation of 14 Christian leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Tanzania is visiting Israel this week as part of an initiative to strengthen connections between the Jewish state and Christian communities across Africa. The official account of the State of Israel described the visit as a gathering of "four countries" united by "a common faith," emphasizing the participants' connection to the land where their faith originated. The week-long trip, organized by the Israeli Embassy in Kenya in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, included visits to holy Christian sites, technology centers, and a location impacted by the October 7, 2023 attacks, according to JNS.
For many delegates, this is their first time in Israel. Kenyan Bishop Paul Karanja expressed admiration for Israel's agricultural advancements and its success in developing desert regions, stating, "Our destiny will not be secured if we cannot connect to Israel." He had previously organized a pro-Israel march in Nairobi. Ugandan Pastor Drake Kanaabo highlighted the importance of engaging younger African generations, who are increasingly influenced by social media and may have less knowledge of biblical history or Israel-Africa relations. "Younger generations know Israel through social media, and what they see and hear is negative," he noted.
This visit aligns with a broader Israeli policy to engage with African Christian communities. JNS estimates there are approximately 600 million Christians in Africa, with 30 African countries being majority Christian. This follows a similar delegation visit in November 2025 and past gatherings of support for Israel in Uganda.
George Deek, Israel's Special Envoy to the Christian World, stated that by 2050, Sub-Saharan African Christians will constitute 40% of the global Christian population. He emphasized Israel's growing strategic interest in Africa and its desire to deepen biblical and cultural ties. Malawian Pastor Matilda Matabwa identified Israel as a partner for her country, asserting, "We hear in the news that Africa is isolated, but Africa supports Israel." Kenyan Bishop Abraham Mulwa conveyed a message of solidarity, telling Israelis, "Be strong. We are with you."
