news 9 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US-Iran conflict threatens food security in Africa, warns fertilizer giant
A potential conflict between the US and Iran could trigger severe food shortages and price hikes across Africa, according to the CEO of Yara International, a leading fertilizer company. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/us-iran-war-to-cause-food-shortages-in-africa-5452464
The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran pose a significant threat to global food security, particularly impacting vulnerable communities in Africa. Svein Tore Holsether, the Chief Executive of Yara International, the world’s largest fertilizer producer, has issued a stark warning about the “dramatic consequences” that could arise from such a conflict.
Holsether indicated that a war could lead to soaring fertilizer prices and shortages, potentially creating a “global auction” where wealthier nations can outbid poorer ones. This scenario would leave many African countries struggling to secure essential supplies needed for agricultural production, exacerbating an already precarious food situation.
Africa possesses substantial potential as a major food producer, capable of achieving self-sufficiency and even exporting to other regions. However, the continent currently relies heavily on food imports. Holsether emphasized the urgency of raising awareness about the impending risks to prevent a crisis that could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.
The article was originally published on May 9, 2026, by the Daily Monitor.