Shockwaves from Attacks on Iran: What They Mean for African Economies

A joint military assault by the US and Israel on key Iranian targets—including leadership figures—has triggered retaliatory measures of immense proportions across the Gulf. These actions are choking the flow of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global maritime route that delivers roughly one-fifth of the world's energy supplies. For African countries, the consequences will likely manifest as higher costs for energy, transportation, and basic commodities. While the immediate focus remains on the conflict itself, it is clear that these developments carry economic implications that could touch everyday life across the continent, underscoring the interconnected nature of global markets and regional stability.

African Currents interviewed Associate Professor Zwelethu Jolobe, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, to dissect the causes and fallout of the conflict in the Middle East and how it would impact African nations.

"I think that the immediate consequence is that many of those countries in Africa that rely on the Middle Eastern oil are going to be forced to look for alternative markets, that's the first thing [...]. I think the most important consequences of an energy crisis in Africa are that the cost of fuel is going to rise, and with the cost of fuel comes the cost of food, and therefore, looking at inflation. I think that is going to be the immediate consequence. I think that depending on where one looks at also in the world, I think that, transport routes even going to Europe, are now go to the Cape of Good Hope, for instance, which will also increase, the cost of global trade and so I think that for the short to medium term, we'll be seeing a rise in prices more generally. We could also see the immediate impact of all regional wars as people move, and so, refugee crises, humanitarian crises, the picture does not look good at all," Jolobe noted.

Catch the full discussion on the African Currents podcast, presented by Sputnik Africa.

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