Economic Watch: Russia-Ukraine conflict wreaks havoc on African economies, says expert – China.org.cn

ADDIS ABABA, April 15 (Xinhua) — The Russia-Ukraine conflict has rocked several countries in Africa, particularly net importers of commodities, a senior economist has said. Tewodros Mekonnen, an economist at the International Growth Center, told Xinhua that as the conflict drags on, African countries with trade ties with Russia and Ukraine face wheat and fertilizer supply shortages. “Many African countries use nitrogen-based fertilizer for their food production, and they import about 70 percent of the product from Ukraine and Russia,” said Mekonnen. “So with the supply side being affected, they are facing increased import bills.” If some compromise by reducing…