Expensive Africa - 1st April 2022

"War in Ukraine means hunger in Africa." This is the warning from the International Monetary Fund. Wheat and other basic foods in Africa have increased in price. Russian and Ukrainian wheat makes most of the continent’s bread. The war’s causing problems everywhere.

Many countries have stopped all trade with Russia, which has made Africa’s situation worse. Russia was its main supplier of fuel and fertiliser. Now, energy prices are increasing.

Nigeria’s poor electricity supply means businesses produce energy themselves. But diesel costs make this expensive.

Baker Julius Adewale says people can’t afford bread.

Julius Adewale: "Cost of production, it has increased immensely. So, they have to come together and also increase the price of bread by 40 percent to what it was before. A common man, that has not even eaten, you no expect him to buy bread or a loaf of bread for 700."

Uganda's experiencing high prices too. A week’s shopping, which used to cost 5,000 shillings, now costs double.

Nigeria may be Africa's largest oil producer, but it’s unable to process it. The government pays to make petrol cheaper. But diesel isn’t included, which makes transporting food expensive. These costs increase prices in shops.

Construction worker Samuel Salau understands the effects.

Samuel Salau: "At the beginning of the year, diesel sell for, I think, about 270 to 280. Then, at a time, we having like 310. But at presently, within a month, it's left that level to about 600 and something plus. And so many industry is on diesel. Trucks that bring here food, so from the north to the south, are running on diesel. Even train runs on diesel."

20 million people in Ethiopia already need food aid. As the war continues, prices will increase more. This means that Ethiopia’s situation will become more common.