Africa has had some lead time to learn important lessons from others including China, Italy, Spain, the UK, the United States. Africa is dealing with multiple challenges including a general lack of emergency preparedness, weak social networks and governance, and political, economic, social, cultural and health threats. The sudden reversal of fortunes is in stark contrast to a more positive projection in the African Development Bank's 2020 African Economic Outlook when it was released in January 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated one third of African countries were at risk of debt distress. - Dr. Victor Oladokun is the former Director of Communication and External Relations, African Development Bank Group.

Source: Ethiopian News April 03, 2020 10:52 UTC