The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through Africa, but not evenly. For oil producers, high prices have brought revenue. For import-dependent economies, they have brought fuel price spikes, shortages and pressure on budgets.
Nigeria’s growth picks up
Nigeria’s economy grew 4.43% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, up from 3.89% in the first quarter, Reuters reported in September (via MyJoyOnline). Oil output averaged 1.72 million barrels a day, up from 1.55 million in the first quarter, and both oil and non-oil sectors accelerated. Growth is still well below the 7% target President Bola Tinubu has set for 2027.
Nigeria has also been partly shielded from fuel shortages by the Dangote refinery, though pump prices have risen.
Importers hit hardest
Direct flows to Africa through Hormuz are small, about 0.2 million barrels a day of crude and 0.6 million barrels a day of products, according to the IEA. But African countries import much of their diesel and petrol from global markets that tightened sharply, Ecofin Agency reported:
- Somalia: fuel prices more than doubled.
- South Africa: diesel costs were expected to rise by at least 50%.
- Kenya: authorities introduced fiscal measures to contain prices, and some stations ran short.
- Mali: armed group attacks disrupted fuel deliveries.
The longer-term lesson
Analysts argue that more local refining capacity, renewable power and electrified transport would cut Africa’s exposure to future shocks. With Brent near $117 in late October, the pressure has not eased. See our coverage of the Hormuz standoff.
Why Pakistan should watch
Pakistan and many African economies share the same problem: imported fuel and limited refining. Our Energy section tracks the effect at home. More from the continent in Africa.
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