Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pose a danger to the SADC bloc

PRETORIA: RISING global geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are posing serious economic risks to countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, revealed this when opening the 47th SADC Council of Ministers Meeting in Pretoria today.

The Chairperson said that the conflicts have already disrupted global supply chains, driving up oil prices and increasing the cost of fertilizers, which in turn is pushing food prices higher across the region.

He noted that the situation poses a major threat to food security in the SADC region, where about 58 million people are already facing food shortages.

According to Mr Lamola, the wars could also force some Middle Eastern countries to scale back foreign investments and redirect resources toward domestic security concerns.

“Such a shift could significantly affect development projects in the SADC region, particularly in infrastructure, finance, technology, mining, and energy sectors that rely on partnerships with those countries,” he said.

Lamola further warned that the ongoing conflicts could weaken Africa’s efforts in international forums to secure solutions to the continent’s growing debt burden, noting that in many African countries, annual debt repayments exceed national budgets for education and health.

Moreover, he urged ministers attending the meeting to use the forum to craft strong strategies to boost economic growth in the SADC region, which is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine War.

Tanzania is represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ngwaru Maghembe, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Finance, Laurent Luswetula.