--- title: "Middle East Conflict Drives Up Fuel and Fertiliser Prices for African Farmers" url: https://noti.group/middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-and-fertiliser-prices-for-african/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-26T21:42:18.000Z updated: 2026-10-27T00:22:23.631Z id: d10033b4-cd95-42bd-8e47-e742c39d6828 source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/26/africa-food-security-under-threat-due-to-iran-war-warn-trade-officials?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-and-fertiliser-prices-for-african/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Middle East Conflict Drives Up Fuel and Fertiliser Prices for African Farmers African countries are facing significant economic challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is driving up fuel and fertiliser prices. African countries are facing a mounting threat to their food security due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Rising fuel and fertiliser prices are driving up costs, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate crops. Trade ministers from across the region have expressed concerns about the economic fallout of this situation. The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has significant implications for global trade, particularly for African nations that rely heavily on imports. The conflict between the US and Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the strait, leading to increased fuel costs. These higher prices are then passed on to consumers, who face rising food bills as a result. According to Luz Maria de la Mora, director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), urgent action is needed to resolve this crisis. She warned that soaring fertiliser prices could have far-reaching consequences for agricultural production next year. Fertiliser prices have skyrocketed in recent months, prompting many countries to reconsider their use of these essential crop inputs. De la Mora noted that farmers are likely to reduce their reliance on fertilisers as a result, which will inevitably impact harvests and food supplies. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global trade routes, and Africa is not immune to its effects. The region's economies are heavily reliant on imported goods, including fuel and fertilisers, which have become increasingly expensive due to the war. In countries such as Zimbabwe and Uganda, where agriculture is a significant sector, rising costs of production are a major concern. In Zimbabwe, over 70 percent of the population relies on farming for their livelihoods, making the impact of higher fuel and fertiliser prices particularly acute. The consequences will likely be far-reaching, affecting not just farmers but also consumers. The ripple effects of the Strait's disruption extend beyond immediate energy costs, as rising oil prices have also disrupted supply chains. This has led to a longer-than-anticipated impact on economies, with trade officials warning that Africa's food security is under threat. As international leaders gather in Doha for the UNCTAD World Investment Forum, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global trade and the need for sustainable development strategies. The ripple effects of the Iran war are taking a toll on African food security, trade officials warn, as economies struggle to cope with the fallout. Uganda's reliance on subsistence farming has provided some protection from international market volatility, but domestic food production is not enough to shield the country from financial pressures. The Ugandan shilling has lost 10 percent of its value against the US dollar since mid-2026, a steady decline that reflects the broader economic impact. Zimbabwe's crisis highlights the importance of attracting investment and maintaining ties across geopolitical divides. Harare considers itself a potential partner for investors from both sides of the simmering trade war between the US and China, with officials emphasizing their neutrality in international affairs. "We are a friend to all and an enemy to none," Zimbabwe's official said, underscoring the country's appeal to investors. With deposits of over 60 critical minerals, including lithium and graphite, as well as tourism potential, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a viable investment opportunity despite ongoing economic challenges. Attracting foreign capital remains a daunting task for developing economies, where investment is concentrated in a small number of countries. Investors are naturally risk-averse and seek certainty that their investments will yield returns, according to de la Mora, who believes that transparent institutions and the rule of law can help build confidence among investors. Reliable electricity, energy supplies, and digital connectivity are essential infrastructure investments that governments can make to attract foreign capital, she added. The issue of unequal treatment by the international trading system was bluntly assessed by Uganda's trade minister, Tanna. The Republic of Congo is taking steps to revitalize its national development plan, Vision 2063, by aligning it with the African Union's broader objectives. Central to this strategy is connectivity, which includes investing in electricity, digital infrastructure and physical links that will enable the country to trade more efficiently with other nations. This move aims to reduce reliance on external processing of natural resources, keeping more value within the country. By expanding local processing, the Republic of Congo seeks to break free from its status as a reservoir for raw materials, where valuable commodities are extracted, processed elsewhere and then sold back at a higher price. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/26/africa-food-security-under-threat-due-to-iran-war-warn-trade-officials?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-and-fertiliser-prices-for-african/