Governments across the world are now confronted with the major challenge of putting in place appropriate exit strategies to come out of COVID-19 lockdown measures. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimates that one full month of lockdown across Africa would cost the continent about 2.5% of its annual GDP (US$65 billion). In effort to limit the spread of the virus, at least 42 African countries implemented partial or full lockdowns. Several factors will undoubtedly affect each country’s exit strategy. Further, any exit strategy will need to balance the preservation of lives, whilst alleviating economic challenges and continuing to supress the spread of the virus. Some countries are beginning to announce their plans to exit and the debate around the benefit of lockdowns continues.
This debate will centre on the policy choices, challenges and risks facing governments in identifying appropriate lockdown exit options.
Documents
Introductory remarks by Vera Songwe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa
Speakers will include:
H.E. Ms. Arancha Gonzalez Laya
Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain
H.E. Mr. Uzziel Ndagijimana
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
Republic of Rwanda
Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki
CEO, African Union Development Agency
Mr. Amadou Mahtar Ba
Executive Chairman, AllAfrica Global Media Inc.
Prof Haroon Bhorat
Professor of Economics and Director of the Development Policy Research
University of Cape Town
Mostapha Mellouk
CEO Casablanca Media Partners and Founder
Africa2025 Think Tank
Mr. Kennedy Odede
CEO and Co-Founder
Shining Hope for Communities
