The Iran War is Africa’s Warning: Build Sovereignty or Be Ruled by Others
Faiez Jacobs argues that the US-Israel-Iran conflict serves as a critical warning for Africa, demonstrating that formal political independence is insufficient without material sovereignty. The article contends that global power operates through control of energy infrastructure, logistics, finance, and narrative, rather than just military force. Citing Andre Zaaiman’s analysis, Jacobs highlights how the Strait of Hormuz functions as an actuarial chokepoint, where insurance and commercial pressures can disrupt trade even without a physical blockade. This vulnerability exposes the Global South to external coercion. The author urges South Africa to move beyond viewing energy policy as a narrow departmental issue and instead treat energy sovereignty as central to national sovereignty. Referencing Minister Gwede Mantashe, the piece emphasizes the need to extract greater value from mineral endowments and achieve technological autonomy. Jacobs concludes that states lacking control over their energy, industrial capacity, and trade routes remain materially vulnerable, regardless of their diplomatic status. The article calls for a structural shift in African strategy to secure resilience against geopolitical shocks and avoid dependence on foreign powers.
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The Iran War is Africa’s Warning: Build Sovereignty or Be Ruled by Others
Faiez Jacobs argues that the US-Israel-Iran conflict serves as a critical warning for Africa, demonstrating that formal political independence is insufficient without material sovereignty. The article contends that global power operates through control of energy infrastructure, logistics, finance, and narrative, rather than just military force. Citing Andre Zaaiman’s analysis, Jacobs highlights how the Strait of Hormuz functions as an actuarial chokepoint, where insurance and commercial pressures can disrupt trade even without a physical blockade. This vulnerability exposes the Global South to external coercion. The author urges South Africa to move beyond viewing energy policy as a narrow departmental issue and instead treat energy sovereignty as central to national sovereignty. Referencing Minister Gwede Mantashe, the piece emphasizes the need to extract greater value from mineral endowments and achieve technological autonomy. Jacobs concludes that states lacking control over their energy, industrial capacity, and trade routes remain materially vulnerable, regardless of their diplomatic status. The article calls for a structural shift in African strategy to secure resilience against geopolitical shocks and avoid dependence on foreign powers.
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