News & Analysis: Rwanda
“Rwanda has deployed policemen and soldiers across the country to enforce a lockdown that went into effect last weekend and has warned that anyone found violating the lockdown will be arrested or fined. The country’s airspace has also been closed to all commercial flights since March 19 for 30 days”
“East African stock markets have started feeling the impact of Coronavirus that has hit global economies after three countries in the region confirmed outbreak of the virus. According to economists the coronavirus fears have sparked investor rush for government bonds away from the volatile stock markets.”
“After the first positive case of COVID-19 hit on March 8, there was little surprise that the government formed and implemented a robust nationwide response. The country’s timely reaction is aided by its previous success in combating Ebola from entering its borders in 2019.”
“In South Africa - which declared a national state of disaster because of the pandemic last week - the working classes are navigating how to avoid contamination on cramped public transport on their way to meagre-paying jobs that often only help them live hand-to-mouth, while the more affluent classes empty large chain stores to stockpile as much food and toilet paper as they can.”
“Rwanda Air, and Air Mauritius are among airlines that have suspended flights to China. Morocco has suspended all international flights to and from its territory “until further notice” and Kenya Airways also suspended flights to countries affected by the virus… African airlines have recorded a loss of up to $4.4 billion in revenue since the virus surfaced.”
“Many of Eurobonds will mature between 2021 and 2025. It will require sub-Saharan African countries to repay an average of just under $4 billion annually in that period. But they are already currently bleeding a rising total of just over $1.5 billion in annual coupon payments on these Eurobonds.”
A hub for information, analysis, and the global response to COVID-19’s impact on Africa