News & Analysis: Egypt
“Egypt’s recent economic success will almost certainly be interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the likely impact on the Egyptian economy of a significant reduction in tourism, payments received from the Suez Canal, and remittances from Egyptians working abroad because of the slowdown in the global economy due to the COVID-19 virus.”
“African leaders must learn from countries that have already experienced the pandemic, in the way that South Africa is drawing lessons from South Korea. Furthermore, it is vital that governments collaborate effectively, share their experiences of tackling the virus, mobilize experts – both local and from the diaspora – and strengthen their coordination with the WHO.”
“What has received less attention to date, but is equally as important, is the way that Covid-related restrictions are now being used to undermine democratic freedoms… In the midst of the pandemic, African opposition parties and civil society groups have little opportunity, tools or platforms with which to defend their hard-fought gains.”
“Kenya also has existing cash transfer programs targeting over a million people, that receive 2,000 Kenyan shillings, or $19, per month. The national treasury allocated an additional 10 billion shillings to this program for supporting vulnerable groups including the elderly and orphans during this pandemic period.”
“On March 17, the Esna Lock allowed the last cruise ship to continue down the Nile on its voyage from Aswan to Luxor. As the passageway locked behind the 57-cabin ship Le Fayan, it was the first glimpse into the imminent closures in Egypt and around the world in attempts to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. “
“African countries face varying levels of risk that will require adapting a diversified set of response strategies to the coronavirus. The most vulnerable countries may not be those with the earliest onset… Understanding the relative risks each country faces can better guide response efforts in both the introductory and subsequent stages as the pandemic evolves.”
“The pandemic is likely to have a significant economic toll. For each month that the COVID‑19 crisis persists, our simulations using IFPRI’s Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) multiplier model for Egypt suggest national GDP could fall by between 0.7% and 0.8% (EGP 36-41 billion or $2.3-$2.6 billion). Household incomes are likely to fall, particularly among the poor.”
“Of the 18 countries in which COVID-19 cases have emerged, nine have yet to go to the polls… Public spaces are being avoided or closed off from the populace in some of the worst affected areas globally. Elections, by their nature, involve mass gatherings in public spaces – how might this change in the presence of COVID-19?”
A hub for information, analysis, and the global response to COVID-19’s impact on Africa