UN Deputy Chief : after COVID-19, Africa can build back better

Abstract

These are challenging times for Africa and the rest of our global village. As of 24 May 2020, 54 countries in Africa had recorded more than 100,000 COVID-19 cases and over 3,000 deaths. And while the number of cases continues to grow, it could have been much worse had it not been for African governments taking preventive action despite weakened environments. Economies and livelihoods have been heavily affected as the demand for Africa’s commodities has fallen and tourism has declined sharply. Remittances —which can account for more than 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—are also drying up. The pandemic has brought long-standing fragilities and inequalities into sharp relief, including systemic discrimination against women and girls. There has also been an alarming rise in levels of violence in the home, and rights-based abuses under the lockdown. Women must be at the decision-making table. We must also enlist the talent of the youth if we are to succeed in transforming Africa to a land of inclusion and prosperity that will serve future generations.