Sustained Houthi threat to Red Sea keeps shipping costs high, straining import-dependent African economies

As of 13 October 2026 Houthi missile, drone and ship attacks continue to disrupt Red Sea transits, keeping traffic below normal and forcing some carriers to route around the Cape, which raises freight and fuel costs and has sharply reduced Suez-related revenues — hitting Egypt’s import and reserve position in particular.

Ongoing Houthi attacks raise war-risk insurance and rerouting costs; longer voyages via the Cape of Good Hope add roughly 10–14 days per Asia–Europe leg, tying up tonnage and increasing fuel and freight bills. That combination raises import bills and can pressure reserves and fiscal balances in heavily import-dependent African countries — most directly evidenced by Egypt’s Suez revenue loss and wider route disruptions.

Monitor confirmed restoration of pre-2023 transit volumes through Bab el-Mandeb or a durable halt to Houthi attacks.