Renewing the social contract to reduce poverty and inequality in Africa

Abstract

The intersection of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine and the effects of climate change has exacted a huge toll on African development, exacerbating poverty and inequality and reversing the gains that had been made in poverty reduction in the past two decades. Growing levels of poverty and inequality pose challenges to an increasingly fragile social contract that could fray under the weight of unfulfilled expectations and threaten the attainment of peace, security and prosperity. The impact of ongoing crises on poverty and inequality in Africa and the pathways for establishing a social contract to reduce poverty and inequality on the continent are highlighted in the present policy brief. Efforts to accelerate the reduction of poverty and inequality on the continent and achieve sustainable development must be underpinned by inclusion and equality. Governments must ensure equal access to public goods and opportunities for all.