Will AfDB’s $1.5bn plan be enough to tackle food crisis?

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to bite hard affecting global prices for fuel, grains, cooking oils, and fertiliser.

Africa has not been spared as Russia and Ukraine are essential grain exporters to the continent. African countries imported $4bn and $2.9bn worth of agricultural products from Russia and Ukraine respectively in 2020.

As Ghana and Nigeria grapple with the impact of soaring inflation due to price hikes of food, fuel and other commodities, Kenya and Sudan have had their share of anti-government protests over high bread prices. Egypt imports about 50% to 60% of wheat – its main food item – from Russia and Ukraine, but has had to consider options to cut down dependence on the two countries.

Sanctions against Russia have also led to fertiliser shortages in most African countries, including Cameroon and Senegal. Russia is the largest exporter of nitrogen fertiliser and the