Public Dialogue on the Conflict in the Middle East and it's Implications on East Africa's Economy, Security and Geopolitics

Posted on: 2026-03-17 11:34:06

ACODE in partnership with other partners has organised a hybrid public dialogue to discuss the current conflict in the Middle East and its implications on the East African economy, security and the geopolitical landscape.

The rising tensions in the Middle East have once again drawn global attention to the region’s central role in shaping economic and security dynamics far beyond its borders. The current escalation involving Israel/United States, Iran and the Gulf States is already affecting global energy markets and trade routes, with consequences that extend into Africa.

East African countries, in particular, are closely tied to the Middle East through trade, labour migration, and investment flows. These connections, while economically beneficial, also increase the region’s exposure to external shocks. As the conflict intensifies, these interdependencies make East Africa vulnerable to disruptions that originate far beyond the continent.

The crisis highlights Africa’s increasingly complex position in global geopolitics. Governments across the continent have generally taken cautious diplomatic stances, balancing relationships with multiple external partners while trying to safeguard national interests. However, Africa’s exposure to global shocks due to its its reliance on external systems for energy, finance, and trade underscores a deeper structural issue.