Sub-Sahara Africa and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflecting on Challenges and Recovery Opportunities

Billy Agwanda, Gershon Dagba, Prince Opoku, Mark Opoku Amankwa and Israel Nyaburi Nyadera
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Billy Agwanda: Department of African Studies and International Relations, Istanbul Commerce University
Gershon Dagba: Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana
Prince Opoku: Department of Public Administration, Punjabi University
Mark Opoku Amankwa: Department of Public Administration, Punjabi University
Israel Nyaburi Nyadera: Department of Government and Public Administration, University of Macau

Journal of Developing Societies, 2021, vol. 37, issue 4, 502-524

Abstract: How has Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic? This article seeks to examine the challenges faced by a region that was earlier expected to be the epicenter of the pandemic. The study identifies three critical stages that pose challenges for governments and development partners operating in SSA trying to avoid mass infections and the subsequent negative socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. First, the article begins by examining the challenges experienced in restraining the spread of COVID-19 such as the lack of adequate resources and technology to effectively pursue contact tracing, the dilemma of implementing lockdowns, and the impact of fake news. Second, the article looks at the challenges arising from technical and capacity elements of testing, treatment, and the development and access to vaccines. Finally, the study examines the potential obstacles to a smooth post-COVID-19 recovery. The author argues that although some positive actions have been taken by governments in SSA during the pandemic, the challenges that are emerging as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of the disease cannot be overlooked. The authors therefore offer several recommendations that can guide policy responses against pandemics in the short and long-run.

Keywords: COVID-19; Sub-Saharan Africa; policy; pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:37:y:2021:i:4:p:502-524

DOI: 10.1177/0169796X211032567

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