South African president says African supply chains strained by Middle East conflict

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is placing significant strain on African supply chains, affecting the flow of essential goods, fuel, and food across the continent.

Speaking on the economic impact, Ramaphosa highlighted that disruptions in shipping routes, rising energy costs, and volatility in global markets are threatening the stability of African economies, many of which rely heavily on imports for critical commodities.

He called for coordinated regional responses and strategic planning to mitigate the effects, emphasizing the need for Africa to strengthen its own manufacturing, logistics, and trade networks to reduce dependence on distant conflict-affected regions.

The president’s statement underscores the vulnerability of African economies to international crises and the urgency of building resilient supply chains capable of withstanding global shocks.