African institutions have urged policy action to shield economies from global shocks as rising energy, food and fertilizer prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East intensify pressure across the continent.

The call was made by the African Development Bank, African Union Commission, United Nations Development Programme, and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa during the 58th Session of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, held from March 28 to April 3 in Tangier, Morocco.

The institutions warned that current global shocks are spreading faster and through more concentrated channels than past global disruptions, leaving African economies with little time to adjust.

The effects are already being felt across African economies and households, requiring rapid effective policy action.

Global oil prices have surged by more than 50 percent as of late March, while 29 African currencies have weakened, raising the cost of servicing external debt and importing food, fuel, and fertilizer.

They said disruptions linked to Gulf energy supplies are also limiting access to ammonia and urea during the critical March–May planting season, threatening agricultural production and worsening food insecurity, particularly in low income households and import dependent economies.

"Continued escalation of the conflict worsens global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly in Africa where economic pressures remain acute," Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, said.

Claver Gatete, UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said Africa has faced too many external shocks not of its making.

"This moment calls for decisive action, to protect people now, but also to accelerate Africa's long term push towards energy security, food sovereignty, and financial self reliance," he said. "Crises like this reinforce why Africa must finance more of its own future and strengthen regional solutions that build resilience before the next shock hits."

The institutions recommended immediate measures to cushion households and stabilize supplies of fuel, food, and fertilizer, to be implemented by African governments, development partners and the private sector.

They also called for medium term reforms to strengthen energy security, expand social protection and boost regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

In the long term, they urged stronger domestic resource mobilization and establishment of African financial safety nets, including accelerated implementation of the African Financing Stability Mechanism.