World Bank says more African nations seek emergency funding

The World Bank says the Iran war is forcing more African countries to seek emergency funding as higher fuel costs and supply chain disruptions ripple through the continent. According to an internal World Bank document seen by Reuters, 27 countries have activated crisis financing mechanisms since the conflict began in February.

The war has disrupted energy markets and global supply chains, while also affecting fertiliser shipments to developing countries. That has added pressure on economies already struggling with tight budgets, import dependence and volatile commodity prices.

Kenya is among the countries that have already requested urgent financial support from the World Bank. The country has faced rising fuel prices linked to the conflict, adding to the strain on households and businesses.

Experts and the Africa Centres for Disease Control are warning that the economic shock could hit vulnerable African economies hard. They say countries with weak fiscal buffers and heavy import exposure are especially at risk.

The World Bank says its emergency tools could quickly mobilise up to $25 billion for countries facing crisis. That capacity is likely to make the bank a key source of short-term support as the fallout from the war widens.