Love thy neighbour, but attack if he harbours your attackers, By Owei Lakemfa

The Middle East remains one of the most geopolitically volatile regions affecting global markets, and recent escalations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel underscore the interconnected risks that European entrepreneurs and investors must carefully monitor when operating across African markets. The ongoing military confrontation in the Middle East, while geographically distant from Africa, carries significant implications for European business operations on the continent. Historical patterns demonstrate that regional conflicts in the Middle East typically create cascading economic effects across Africa through multiple channels: disrupted energy supply chains, currency volatility, reduced foreign direct investment, and shifting geopolitical alignments that influence African nations' domestic and foreign policies. For European investors with operations in African markets, understanding these dynamics is critical. Many African economies depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports and financial investments. When Middle Eastern tensions rise, oil prices typically spike, immediately increasing operational costs for businesses across Africa. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainty often triggers capital flight from emerging markets, including African nations, as investors seek safer assets in developed economies. The broader context reveals a pattern of great power competition extending into Africa. As Western powers engage in conflicts elsewhere, their attention and resources become divided. This creates both risks