The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) has called on countries in the region to accelerate regional integration, strengthen economic resilience and implement coordinated policy responses to withstand external shocks.
The Middle East crisis represents another major external shock, following the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which threatens to reverse the region's hard-won macroeconomic gains, said ECA SRO-SA director Eunice Kamwendo.
“The Middle East crisis is a stark reminder that resilience is no longer optional; it is essential for sustainable economic transformation. Southern Africa must strengthen its capacity to withstand external shocks before the next crisis occurs,” she added.
Disruptions in global energy markets and shipping routes have raised fuel, fertiliser and transport costs, which increases pressure on inflation, trade, public finances and food security in the region.
However, the changing global landscape offered strategic opportunities for Southern Africa, she said during the ECA 'Implications of the Middle East Crisis on Southern Africa: Assessing Impacts, Ongoing Mitigation Measures and Building Regional Resilience' dialogue on June 23.
