Zionist Pentecostalism in Africa: A Threat to Security, Solidarity, and True Christian Values with Reflections on Zimbabwe

Introduction 

Zionist Pentecostalism is a religious movement that combines elements of Pentecostal Christianity with Zionist beliefs. It is here important to disentangle the two concepts, Zionism and Pentecostalism. Zionism refers to the belief in the return of the Jewish people to the Holy Land and the establishment of the State of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Pentecostalism emphasizes the direct experience of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing. Zionist Pentecostals believe that the modern state of Israel plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of the gospel (end times)  and the events described in the Bible. They often support Israel politically and spiritually, seeing its existence as part of God's divine plan. The largest concentration of Zionist Pentecostalism is found in the United States  and this movement has strong roots in American Pentecostal and charismatic communities, where there is significant support for Israel and a belief in its prophetic role in the end times. In short, Zionist Pentecostalism is one arm of US imperialism. In this submission, I will examine the rise and currency of Zionist Pentecostalism in  Africa.

Examples of Zionist Pentecostalism in Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

The rise of Zionist sponsored Pentecostalism in Africa represents a dangerous alignment of religious influence, political manipulation, and imperialist agendas. This movement, actively supported by apartheid Israel, undermines Africa’s security, weakens solidarity with oppressed peoples, and distorts the true values of Christianity.  For many African Christians the true Christian values incorporate the values of love, faith, forgiveness, charity, peace, hope and sharing. These values differ from the colonial work of the missionaries whose role was to support the plunder of land and people in the name of Christianity, civilization and commerce. For many Zimbabweans the coming of western Christianity into the society involved trickery and deceit. The best example was the Rudd concession.

Zimbabweans always opposed trickery and deceit. Zimbabwe has a strong Pan-Africanist tradition and historical solidarity with Palestine, and provides a unique lens to understand and resist this  new manifestation of trickery and deceit in the form of Zionist Pentecostalism. Zionist Pentecostalism is a manufactured phenomenon.  Israel has invested heavily in building relationships with African Pentecostal leaders, offering financial support and exclusive access to pilgrimages . One example of Israel's efforts to build relationships with African Pentecostal leaders is the collaboration with Nigerian Pentecostal leader, Pastor David Oyedepo. Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, has been a strong advocate for Israel and has received support from Israel in various forms. This has included financial backing, participation in Israeli-sponsored pilgrimage trips to the Holy Land, and alignment on political and religious issues. Oyedepo’s support of Israel has played a role in fostering closer ties between Israeli officials and African Pentecostal communities, positioning Oyedepo as a key figure in these diplomatic and religious efforts. This relationship reflects a broader trend of Israel working strategically with influential African religious leaders to gain political influence and cultivate support among Pentecostal congregations across the continent. Tours to Israel, marketed as “spiritual pilgrimages,” are used to reinforce pro-Zionist narratives.

Zionist Pentecostalism manipulates the Christian reverence for the Bible by equating modern Israel with biblical Israel. This narrative falsely portrays Israel as fulfilling divine prophecy while ignoring its apartheid practices (1). Prominent Pentecostal figures such as Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of Zimbabwe’s United Family International Church (UFIC) and Nigerian Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel have embraced pro-Israel rhetoric. These leaders often urge their congregants to revere Israel uncritically, conflating Zionism with Christian faith . Christian Zionism is the belief, particularly among evangelical and Pentecostal Christians, that the return of Jews to Israel and the establishment of the state are fulfilling biblical prophecies. This view, rooted in certain Christian theological interpretations, often conflates religious faith with political support for Israel. In the African context, some Pentecostal leaders promote uncritical support for Israel, linking it to their religious beliefs and viewing Israel’s actions as part of a divine plan, without fully addressing the broader geopolitical consequences. This creates strong ties between African Christian communities and Israeli interests. 

Zionism is a nationalist ideology rooted in European colonialism, not a divine mandate. Its attempts to conflate modern Israel with biblical narratives are deliberate distortions aimed at legitimising its apartheid policies. Zionist practices of land dispossession, militarist expansionism, segregation, and racial supremacy are fundamentally opposed to Christian teachings of love, justice, and equality. The apartheid system in Israel echoes the injustices Africa fought against during colonialism. Israel supplied arms and intelligence to both regimes (in Rhodesia and South Africa), directly opposing African liberation movements.

Zionist Pentecostalism alienates African nations from their historical solidarity with Palestine. By presenting Israel as a divine ally, it delegitimises the Palestinian struggle and weakens Africa’s shared anti-colonial ethos. Pro-Zionist ideologies create divisions within African societies, fostering alignment with imperialist agendas instead of uniting around progressive Pan-Africanist principles. Zionist Pentecostalism legitimises Israel’s apartheid system, contradicting Africa’s legacy of fighting colonial oppression. Israel’s systematic oppression of Palestinians mirrors the injustices of apartheid-era South Africa and Rhodesia Zimbabwe. Historically, Israel supported the Rhodesian regime through arms supplies and military training, directly opposing Zimbabwe’s liberation movement. Israel’s influence in Zimbabwe is seen through both economic and political avenues. For example, Israel has engaged in trade partnerships with Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of agriculture and technology, providing expertise and resources in sectors such as water management and irrigation systems. However, these collaborations have been criticized as part of efforts to weaken Zimbabwe’s Pan-African stance, particularly in its support for Palestine.

Israel’s covert political maneuvers are often framed as efforts to weaken solidarity with Palestine, where Zimbabwe has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. This has been evident in instances where Israel has sought to create economic and diplomatic ties with African nations, attempting to shift allegiances in favor of Israel and away from support for Palestinian self-determination. For example, Israel's diplomatic initiatives in Africa, including trade agreements and partnerships, often target countries that have historically supported Palestine, undermining their political positions and shifting African countries toward a more pro-Israel stance.

These efforts illustrate how Israel uses its economic and political tools to influence African nations, including Zimbabwe, to diminish their solidarity with Palestine and further its geopolitical interests in the region.

The example of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s liberation movement under the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) drew inspiration from global anti-colonial struggles, including Palestine. Leaders like Robert Mugabe consistently championed Palestinian rights, condemning Israel’s apartheid practices. Churches played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, opposing racial segregation and advocating for justice. This legacy stands in stark contrast to the Zionist Pentecostalism now gaining traction.

The rise of charismatic Pentecostal movements has seen increasing alignment with Zionist narratives. Leaders such as Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) promote trips to Israel and uncritically endorse Zionist ideologies. The spread of Zionist Pentecostalism diverts attention from the enduring impacts of neo-colonialism and imperialism, diluting Zimbabwe’s Pan-Africanist consciousness. The infiltration of Zionist narratives undermines Zimbabwe’s ability to rally support for oppressed peoples globally, including Palestinians, and threatens its stance as a bastion of anti-imperialism.

Israel has historically prioritized resource extraction and market dominance over genuine partnerships in Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa embodied the Christian ethic of opposing apartheid, both in South Africa and Israel, calling Israeli policies a “crime against humanity.” Zimbabwean churches, particularly during the liberation struggle, emphasised justice, equality, and resistance against oppression.

Conclusion

True Christian values reject apartheid, racism, and imperialism. African Pentecostal leaders must confront and expose Zionist distortions. The parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and Africa’s experience under colonialism and apartheid are  strikingly similar if not the same. Supporting Palestine is a reaffirmation of Africa’s anti-colonial identity. Africa’s historical solidarity with Palestine must persist as a moral and strategic stance against global injustice. Zimbabwe must continue to amplify its support for Palestine, advocating for justice at regional and international platforms.

Zimbabwean churches and political leaders must educate citizens about the dangers of Zionist narratives and reaffirm Pan-Africanist values rooted in liberation theology. Zionist Pentecostalism in Africa, and particularly in Zimbabwe, represents a dangerous alliance between religion and imperialism. By distorting Christian values and manipulating Africa’s religious landscape, it undermines the continent’s sovereignty, solidarity, and commitment to justice.

Zimbabwe’s history of resistance against colonialism and apartheid provides a powerful example for confronting this phenomenon. By reclaiming true Christian values, rejecting Zionist narratives, and standing firmly with Palestine, Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole can resist imperialist manipulation and reaffirm their identity as champions of justice and liberation. This approach aligns with core Pan-African values, including unity, solidarity, self-determination, and the pursuit of African dignity and autonomy. These values advocate for the empowerment of African nations to make decisions free from external interference, ensuring that their sovereignty and cultural heritage remain unshaken. In this context, Zimbabwe and Africa’s collective stance on global issues like the Palestinian struggle reflects the broader Pan-African commitment to fighting oppression, advocating for the marginalized, and standing for liberation movements worldwide.

End Note

1. Human Rights Watch (19 July 2024)  “World Court Finds Israel Responsible for Apartheid”, https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/19/world-court-finds-israel-responsibl…

Mafa Kwanisai Mafa is the National Chairperson of Zimbabwe Palestine Solidarity Council.