Africa may be forced into work-from-home arrangements similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic if the ongoing Middle East crisis fails to ease, according to the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
Dangote issued the warning on Monday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
He said rising oil prices linked to the conflict could deepen economic hardship across Africa, where many countries are already weighed down by debt.
He stated that most African economies lack sufficient financial buffers, leaving millions dependent on daily income.
“If this doesn’t de-escalate, people who rely on what they earn each day will be badly affected. If they don’t work, they don’t eat,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Indonesia, Dangote explained that some governments facing energy pressures have already reduced working days and are considering full remote work policies.
He warned that similar measures could become unavoidable in Africa if fuel costs continue to rise.
According to him, the continent stands to suffer disproportionately from a crisis it did not create.
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He explained prolonged instability could encourage price speculation, pushing up living costs beyond what governments can offset through wage increases.
Dangote stressed that the impact would be most severe on small-scale traders and businesses, particularly those dependent on fuel-powered generators.
He cited barbers, bread producers and small manufacturers as among those already struggling with rising energy costs.
He called for swift international action and prayers to bring the conflict to an end, warning that further delays would worsen conditions for ordinary people.
Commenting on President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, Dangote showcased optimism about the implications for Nigeria’s investment climate.
He described the £746 million infrastructure agreement secured during the visit as a strong signal of international confidence rather than just a financial boost.
He added that Nigerian investors now have greater access to UK Export Finance, a funding channel he said had been underused for years.
Dangote argued that the development could encourage other countries to expand financial support for projects in Nigeria.
The agreement focuses on port development and other critical infrastructure, with funding backed by the UK government.
Dangote said his visit to the President was also to convey Eid-el-Fitr greetings following Tinubu’s return from the two-day UK trip.