The world is going through a period of major turbulence. The war in the Middle East, oil tensions, soaring food prices, rising shipping costs, and financial instability are hitting the most fragile economies hard. Once again, Africa is bearing the brunt of a crisis it did not create.

When oil prices rise, African households pay more for transportation, electricity, food, and basic necessities. When shipping routes are disrupted, African economies see their imports slow and their prices skyrocket. When fertilizers become scarce, African farmers produce less and families eat less.

This reality should prompt us to take action. Africa remains far too dependent on imports of fuel, wheat, fertilizers, medicines, and manufactured goods. This dependence has become its main Achilles' heel. As long as we rely on others for food, transportation, healthcare, and production, we will remain vulnerable to global crises.

But this crisis could also become a historic turning point. Africa must not only seek to survive this new shockwave; it must seize the opportunity to accelerate its economic sovereignty. Every global crisis reminds us of a simple truth: a continent that depends on others for its energy, food, medicine, and infrastructure remains vulnerable.

The first challenge is energy. Africa produces oil, gas, and many other strategic resources, but continues to import a large portion of its refined fuels. This situation is costly for both governments and their populations. The continent must invest in refineries, storage capacity, electricity grids, and renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and green hydrogen.

The second challenge is food security. Rising fertilizer and fuel prices directly threaten African agricultural production. Countries on the continent must invest in local fertilizer industries, irrigation, climate-resilient seeds, and food processing. Africa can no longer afford to import what it is capable of producing itself.

The third challenge is trade-related. Too many African countries trade more with Europe, Asia, or the Middle East than with their own neighbors. Yet, global crises demonstrate the dangers of excessive reliance on distant routes and external partners. Strengthening intra-African trade, infrastructure, ports, roads, and the African Continental Free Trade Area is now essential.

Paradoxically, some African countries could benefit from this situation. Oil and gas producers can profit from rising energy prices. Some African ports could also become major logistics hubs in the new global economic order. But the real danger would be to squander this opportunity. Revenues from oil, gas, or trade must be invested in education, health, infrastructure, industry, and youth employment.

Beyond the economy, Africa also has a diplomatic role to play. Because it maintains relations with all the major powers, it can become a balancing force. It must not choose a side based on ideological reflex or political dependence. It must defend a clear line: condemning massacres of civilians everywhere, rejecting double standards, and demanding respect for international law.

The world is changing. Power dynamics are shifting. Old powers are weakened, new players are emerging, and African resources are becoming more strategic than ever. Africa therefore has a choice: remain an arena of competition between powers or become a power itself.

This crisis may be a threat. But it can also become a historic opportunity. Provided that Africa finally stops being a passive recipient of global influence and decides to shape it.