Ukraine War Sparks Wheat Price Surge, Threatening African Food Security

The war in Ukraine could further drive up the prices of basic commodities, including wheat. Africa imports two-thirds of the wheat it consumes from Russia and Ukraine, the 3rd and 8th largest producers in the world respectively.

According to FAO figures, the biggest customers of these two countries are Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Kenya and South Africa, who mainly source from Moscow and Kiev. Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia are also major importers, but they have diversified their suppliers.

Due to the war, the price of a ton of wheat has already increased by $15 in January. This inflation should continue up to 30% if the tension persists, the same source points out.

Moreover, the ongoing war could also affect supply chains and increase the cost of imports of other products. It is also unknown what effect the sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies on Russia will have on trade relations between Africa and Russia.