President John Dramani Mahama has warned that rising hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran risk triggering economic shockwaves across Africa.

Addressing a bilateral meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Arusha on March 2, 2026, he described the Middle East as the “epicentre of global oil supplies” and cautioned that African economies should brace for unavoidable fallout.

Mahama pointed to intensifying military exchanges among the U.S., Israel and Iran, alongside reported counter-attacks across parts of the Gulf, as signs of a deteriorating security environment.

He stressed that any sustained rise in crude oil prices would disproportionately affect African nations that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.

The current flare-up comes after months of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, driven largely by disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and its alleged support for armed groups in the region.

The United States has reinforced its backing of Israeli security operations and expanded its military posture in the Gulf, citing regional stability and the protection of international shipping routes.

Iran, meanwhile, has accused Israel and the United States of aggression and carried out missile and drone operations targeting strategic assets.

The escalating confrontation has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments.

With crude prices already trending upward, analysts warn that prolonged instability could place additional pressure on energy-importing economies across Africa.