The latest escalation of the war in Iran, this time involving strikes by Israel and the United States on energy infrastructure, has once again exposed a troubling pattern in global geopolitics that the persistence of the war machine operates with no regard for long-term economic stability.
Regardless of the stated motives, the absence of a broad international consensus or a clear justification in Iran raises urgent questions about accountability and the far-reaching consequences for an already fragile global economy.
Energy underpins global instability, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world’s oil.
Disruptions there, via confrontation, blockades or sabotage, can trigger immediate global market effects.
Global crude oil consumption currently exceeds 100 million barrels per day.
Yesterday Brent Crude shot up to almost US$120 per barrel.
Even minor supply shocks can send oil prices soaring, affecting everything from transportation to manufacturing.
Natural gas markets, already strained by geopolitical tensions in Europe and Asia, are equally vulnerable.
The ripple effects extend even further as fertiliser production, which is heavily dependent on natural gas, becomes more expensive, driving up food prices and exacerbating food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable regions.
For African nations, the implications are profound. Many countries on the continent are net importers of refined petroleum products and fertilisers, leaving African countries exposed to price volatility driven by conflicts far beyond their borders.
When oil prices spike, currencies weaken, inflation rises, and governments face mounting pressure to subsidise energy costs, often at the expense of critical social spending.
This moment should serve as a wake-up call because Africa can no longer afford to remain at the mercy of external shocks rooted in geopolitical rivalries.
This means Africa must invest in domestic refining capacity, expand renewable energy infrastructure, and diversify energy sources to reduce reliance on imported fuels. Equally important is regional cooperation.
Shared infrastructure, cross-border energy projects and coordinated policy frameworks can help buffer Africa against global disruptions.
The rich African continent possesses abundant solar, wind and hydro resources that remain underutilised.
Harnessing these assets would not only improve resilience but also position the continent as a leader in the global energy transition.
The fact remains that perpetual conflict far away from Africa does not remain contained.
It reverberates through global supply chains, financial systems and households worldwide.
The war in Iran is not just a regional crisis but has become a global economic threat.
For Africa, the path forward must be one of strategic independence and resilience.
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, energy security must be the foundation upon which sustainable industrial development is constructed.