Africa: Middle East Conflict Sends Economic and Security Shockwaves

Edited by : Samoura Mamoudou

As Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities—marking one of the most direct escalations in their long-standing rivalry—the reverberations have extended far beyond the Middle East. In Africa, the fallout is already palpable. Brent crude prices have surged by over 10%, reaching nearly US $73 per barrel, sparking concerns of a looming “stagflationary shock” across African economies. Oil-importing nations such as Kenya, Senegal, and Ghana now face renewed inflationary pressures, while exporters like Nigeria and Angola must navigate volatile market conditions. Governments across the continent are scrambling to contain the impact, working to stabilize currencies and shield consumers from rising fuel and transportation costs.

The escalation has also provoked widespread security and diplomatic responses throughout Africa. In response to Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel, neighboring airspaces—including those over Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco—have been partially restricted, prompting several African governments to issue travel advisories for their citizens. The UK’s travel authority has raised its Middle East advisory to the highest level, reflecting mounting global concern. African foreign ministries have followed suit: South Africa condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law and called for immediate diplomatic de-escalation. Egypt and Algeria have echoed similar sentiments, underscoring growing unease over humanitarian implications and adherence to global legal norms.

Beyond economic and diplomatic concerns, the conflict is subtly reshaping strategic calculations across Africa. Disruptions in Red Sea trade—exacerbated by Houthi militias aligned with Iran—are extending shipping routes by more than ten days and significantly increasing insurance premiums. This directly impacts key East African ports such as Djibouti and Mombasa. In both boardrooms and government offices, African leaders are reassessing their geopolitical alignments amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Some nations are drawing closer to Western allies, while others advocate for neutrality and peacebuilding. As regional forums meet behind closed doors, one message resonates clearly: Africa can no longer afford to view Middle East conflicts as distant. These shocks are now being felt at home—in real time.