Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts on sub-Saharan Africa: supply chain disruption propagation and resilience strategies

Conflict and supply chain disruption are subjects for exploration to inform appropriate responses to increasingly frequent and severe disruptive conflicts. This study explores the impact of conflict and supply chain disruption on Africa. While disputes can cause notable supply chain disruptions, little research exists on the impact this has on Africa. While extensive research has been dedicated to global supply chain disruptions, there is a significant gap in comprehending impacts peculiar to the African supply chains. Conflicts led to the disruption of energy markets and shipping routes, trade sanctions, shortage of fertilisers and other inputs, disruption of food supply chains, and domestic food price inflation linked to resultant political unrest. The article relies on document and trade trend analysis in the pre-conflict and-conflict period between the countries engulfed in conflict and Africa. The study concludes that supply chain resilience is critical in the face of adversity, assessing the options, such as deploying innovative measures in inventory management and distribution, and engaging in strategic partnerships with players and intermediaries across the value chain. These findings point to how the conflict has impacted on the food security situation, volatility in energy prices, economic repercussions which have been felt across the African continent. Ultimately the conflicts have influenced foreign policy positions of African countries faced with two choices, taking sides or remaining neutral. We also conclude that Africa’s adoption of technology in supply chain processes is critical in maintaining effective and efficient supply chain systems to foster resilience in disruptive conflict situations.