Trade and economic officials have warned that the war involving Iran is pushing up fuel and fertiliser prices across Africa, a development that could weaken food production and strain food security on the continent.
Supply-chain and cost pressures
Officials say higher global fuel prices are feeding through to transport and input costs for African farmers and food traders. Increased energy and shipping expenses raise the cost of moving food from farms to markets and boost the price of agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, which are already a significant expense for many producers.
Rising fertiliser costs are of particular concern because they directly affect crop yields and productivity. Where farmers reduce application rates or switch to less efficient inputs, officials warn yields could decline, with implications for both domestic food availability and the affordability of staple foods for consumers.
Broader risks and the need for coordinated responses
Trade officials cautioned that sustained price pressures could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities across the continent, particularly in countries that rely heavily on imported fertilisers and fuel. They said mitigating the impact will require coordinated action by national governments, regional bodies and international partners to stabilise supplies and shield the most vulnerable households.
The warnings come amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges in parts of Africa, and officials said monitoring and targeted support will be important to prevent temporary cost shocks from translating into longer-term food insecurity.