African businesses are already feeling the fallout from the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has closed parts of Middle Eastern airspace and disrupted shipping along the Strait of Hormuz. Freight costs are rising, and traditional markets are temporarily unavailable, forcing exporters to scramble for alternatives.

In Kenya, Primarosa Flowers sends 80 percent of its produce to the Middle East. 

"We sent our shipments on Saturday night for Sunday departures from JKIA," (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) said sales manager Jay Hirani.

But flight cancellations followed the airspace closures. 

"Come Monday, all our customers and freight agents asked us to collect our boxes back from the airport," Hirani added.

The conflict is straining Africa's supply chains more broadly. "Insurance costs will rise, fuel prices will increase, and vessels may be forced to take longer detours, adding up to 10 days to voyages," said Elijah Mbaru, CEO of the Kenya Ship Agents Association.

In 2024, African exports to the Middle East accounted for billions of dollars in trade. Kenya alone shipped $1.1 billion worth of goods, largely tea and horticulture.

Exporters now face the urgent task of finding alternative markets.