Uganda, Egypt discuss Iran war impact on Africa's energy and food prices

Uganda's state minister for foreign affairs has met with Egypt's foreign minister in Cairo to discuss how the ongoing war involving Iran is affecting Africa's energy security, inflation and food prices.

Badr Abdelatty and Henry Oryem Okello took questions from reporters during a press briefing in Egypt's new administrative capital, just east of Cairo.

Their meeting comes as Egypt looks for ways to cut back on oil-powered electricity during the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, introducing at least one measure that challenges Cairo’s reputation as the city that never sleeps.

The government has ordered new nationwide early closing times for shops, restaurants and cafes, forcing many to shut during key evening hours.

Global energy prices have surged since February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran. Tehran hit back with attacks on oil and gas infrastructure across the Persian Gulf and by squeezing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Those price spikes are hitting Egypt hard. It's more than 108 million people who use around 20 billion dollars’ worth of oil products every year, including fuel for power plants.

Egypt currently imports about 28 percent of its gasoline and 45 percent of its diesel.

Abdelatty also said Egypt remains committed to backing water projects in Uganda and across the southern Nile Basin, including the construction of new dams.