The Implications of the Russia–Ukraine War on Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Summary

This critical document analysis examines how the Russia–Ukraine war threatens Sustainable Development Goal achievement across Africa, with particular focus on SDGs 1 (poverty) and 2 (hunger). The authors demonstrate that global supply chain disruptions and international sanctions on Russia have precipitated food and energy shortages, inflation, and commodity price volatility in Africa, undermining progress towards poverty reduction and food security. The paper recommends structural economic change, regional cooperation, reformed development finance mechanisms, and resilience-building as key responses.

UK applicability

While focused on African contexts, the paper's findings regarding supply chain vulnerability, commodity price inflation, and energy security are relevant to UK food system resilience and import dependence on global suppliers. The recommendations on regional cooperation and development finance may inform UK international development policy, though direct application to UK farming systems is limited.

Key measures

Qualitative assessment of war-related impacts on SDG achievement; documentation of food commodity shortages, energy shortages, inflation rates, and commodity price increases in Africa

Outcomes reported

The study analysed how the Russia–Ukraine war and resulting global supply chain disruptions and sanctions have affected Africa's prospects for achieving the first two Sustainable Development Goals (poverty and hunger reduction). It documented food commodity and energy shortages, soaring inflation, and commodity price hikes as direct consequences affecting African development.

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