By: David Shoombe
The International Monetary Fund’s Regional Economic Outlook of Sub-Saharan Africa for April 2026 advised oil importers to prioritise social and developmental expediture as a means of protecting the most vulnerable from high living costs as a result of geopolitical tensions.
The IMF says that a 20% rise in global food prices could push over 20 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa into food insecurity.
Analyses of Africa’s economic performances noted strong resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa in early 2026, before the Middle East conflict disrupted global transportation of oil products and fertilisers.
With the regional economic growth expected to reach 4.3%, with 0.3 percentage points lower than pre-war forecasts, the IMF indicated that countries importing oil face trade imbalances and higher living costs.
Moreover, reports have stated that poverty, food insecurity, and other social indicators – already weakened by the Covid-19 pandemic – face another blow from declining foreign aid and increased food prices.
The IMF indicated that the Middle East conflict will negatively affect oil importers while exporters benefit from stronger export revenues, but remain exposed to volatility and procyclical policy risks.
On advising improved prioritisation of social and developmental expenditure, the fund also recommended mobilising domestic revenues and strengthening public financial management.
Namibia, also an oil importer, has tabled N$500 million to subsidise the increasing oil price, a move aimed at cushioning its domestic economy.
Speaking to The Villager, Maria Shatimwene, graduate researcher in political economics, stated that “the Namibian government has done well in responding to the Middle East conflict and protecting the poor for the short-term, however the money spent to protect the consumers is digging deep in our government’s coffers.”
Shatimwene indicated that the country’s plans of economic diversification ought to be practical to serve as long-term solutions for such crises.
The researcher added that wise expenditure and the avoidance of commencing projects without a finalisation date would save Namibia’s economy during tumultuous periods.
Mathew Endjala, a farmer, remarked that poverty and food insecurity can only be fought by well-equipped farmers who can contribute to social protection through job creation and food production.
With that, he shared his views on the importance of empowering local farmers with added investments and further instilling the notion of self-sustenance to the broader public.
“Our children of agriculture who are studying at higher institutions must come and work with us in the field, share the latest technology so we fill the gap of food supply and be self-sustaining,” said Endjala.
Other IMF recommendations include boosting regional integration to improve supply chain resilience, deepening domestic financial markets, widening access to reliable electricity, and investing in technology.
