How the COVID-19 pandemic will impact SSA economies

As the COVID-19 pandemic grips the world, Sub-Saharan Africa countries have implemented travel bans from high risk countries and regions in order to curb the number of infections in Africa. Joining CNBC Africa to unpack the economic and social impact that this will have on African countries is Ridle Markus, Africa Strategist at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking.

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:22:41 GMT

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AI Generated Summary

The economic repercussions of the pandemic are exacerbating existing challenges faced by African economies, which have struggled with limited resources and constrained budgets.
Countries with weak health infrastructure and limited economic resources are particularly vulnerable to the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.
The reallocation of funds towards combating the virus may come at the expense of critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, further straining already fragile economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves across the globe, and Sub-Saharan African countries are no exception. As countries in the region implement travel bans and other restrictive measures to curb the spread of the virus, the economic and social impacts are beginning to be felt. Ridle Markus, Africa Strategist at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the implications of these measures on African economies. Markus highlighted the dual challenge faced by African countries - the need to contain the virus while also grappling with the economic costs of the pandemic. With limited resources and already constrained budgets, African governments are facing tough decisions on where to allocate funds. The reallocation of resources towards fighting the virus may come at the expense of other critical sectors such as education and infrastructure. The economic growth of many African markets has been lackluster in recent years, leaving little room for maneuver in responding to the crisis. Markus emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that countries may have to divert funds from key areas to combat the virus. The impact of the pandemic is likely to be severe on economies that are already fragile and heavily indebted. Countries with weak health infrastructure and limited economic resources may struggle to cope with the challenges posed by COVID-19. Markus pointed out that while some countries in Africa have stronger health systems, the continent as a whole is vulnerable to the pandemic's repercussions. The number of confirmed cases in Africa may be relatively low at present, but there are concerns that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. The economic fallout from the pandemic, coupled with the recent crash in oil prices, has created a perfect storm for African economies. Markus cautioned that the full extent of the economic impact remains to be seen, but countries with weaker financial standings are likely to face the greatest difficulties in weathering the crisis. As African nations grapple with the dual challenges of containing the virus and mitigating its economic ramifications, the road ahead appears fraught with uncertainty and tough decisions. The resilience of African economies will be put to the test in the face of this unprecedented crisis.