The Russia‒Ukraine war has disrupted global supply chains, leading to higher fuel prices as well as higher food and fertiliser prices, exacerbating existing gender disparities across different countries. The fuel and food shortages increased post-COVID-19 inflation, which also eroded household purchasing power, striking at the most vulnerable, and adding to social pressures. This policy brief, based on empirical analysis of the impacts of the Russia‒Ukraine war in African countries, highlights critical policy responses to building resilience for low-income countries. It stresses how different groups, including women, are impacted differently by external shocks and the policy responses to these shocks. It makes recommendations on how policies can address these inequalities, and how research and evidence can support such policies.