The economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on East Africa: strategies for building back better : report

Abstract

The twenty-fourth session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts, of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub regional Office for Eastern Africa, took place virtually 24–25 November 2020, under the theme “The economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on East Africa: strategies for building back better”. The virtual arrangement was necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed restrictions on travel. With COVID-19 having invariably affected all countries, the plenary discussions focused on East Africa’s socioeconomic performance. Interventions from member States and the private sector on lessons learned in dealing with COVID-19, as well as strategies for building back economies, enriched the discussions. The session was informed of the work of the Sub regional Office for Eastern Africa throughout 2020 and plans for 2021. It also benefitted from the presentations on the integrated planning tool, the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development and the African Medical Supplies Platform.