From COVID-19 Pandemic Pivot to Progress: Blended Work as a Pathway to Greener African Cities

Patrick Gad Iradukunda, Arnaud Iradukunda, Pierre Gashema, Emile Ngabo, Jean de Dieu Tuyishime, Tumusime Musafiri, Thérèse Umuhoza, Ulysse Uwayo, Enos Moyo, Richard Habimana, Claude Mambo Muvunyi and Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ()
Additional contact information
Patrick Gad Iradukunda: Department of Research, Repolicy Research Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7584, Rwanda
Arnaud Iradukunda: Department of Research and Innovation, ARNECH Research and Consulting Office, Bujumbura, Burundi
Pierre Gashema: Department of Research, Repolicy Research Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7584, Rwanda
Emile Ngabo: OAZIS Health, Kigali, Rwanda
Jean de Dieu Tuyishime: Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Institut D’enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri, Ruhengeri P.O. Box 155, Rwanda
Tumusime Musafiri: Partners In Health-Inshuti Mu Buzima, Kigali P.O. Box 3432, Rwanda
Thérèse Umuhoza: AROSE Think Tank, Kigali, Rwanda
Ulysse Uwayo: Department of Science of Global Health Delivery, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Kigali P.O. Box 6955, Rwanda
Enos Moyo: University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Richard Habimana: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
Claude Mambo Muvunyi: Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira: University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Challenges, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted work and life patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Africa faces disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This commentary explores the benefits of blended work models (remote and in-office work) and the readiness of African cities to adopt them. Notably, the shift to working from home (WFH) during the pandemic improved individual well-being and reduced office energy consumption and commuting-related emissions. Robust digital infrastructure and organizational and sustainable policies are essential to fully leverage blended work for urban sustainability. The unexpected opportunities that arose during the pandemic could help African cities address climate change through careful planning and investment.

Keywords: blended work; COVID-19; greenhouse gases; climate change; sustainable urbanization; African cities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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