Focus on Africa African countries coping in fuel crisis
Apr 2, 2026
Nathan Mwachuko, co-founder of Terra Industries building locally made surveillance drones and intelligence systems. Dr. Johnston Chikwanda, Zambian energy expert on fuel markets and policy responses. They discuss Africa's fuel shortages, rationing and levy changes. They explore biofuel blending, intra-Africa trade and mobility reductions. They also cover locally made security tech, data sovereignty and building an African defence industry.
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Middle East Conflict Driving Africa Fuel Shock
- Africa's fuel shortages stem from Middle East conflict disrupting supplies and spiking global prices.
- Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia and Zambia face queues and rationing while Botswana and Mali announced sharp price hikes, illustrating wide continental impact.
Scarcity Spurs Smuggling And Hoarding
- Fuel smuggling and hoarding rise when scarcity hits, as seen in Ethiopia's detention of officials and seizure of 720,000 litres.
- Chikwanda says smuggling spikes especially in regions moving consignments into scarcity zones.
Supply Chain Breaks Keep Prices Volatile
- Prolonged conflict raises shipping, insurance and refinery disruptions, keeping price volatility high.
- Chikwanda warns refineries and oil fields can't restart quickly, so prices may stay volatile for at least three months.