“Two key partnerships will be negotiated in 2020 between the European Union and Africa, making this a crucial year for both continents. One is the post-Cotonou agreement within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, and the other is the Africa-EU strategy.”
“For much of Africa, it seems likely that the larger infection and mortality impact of COVID-19 is still to come. Early efforts to contain the spread through travel restrictions, lockdowns and market closures have played an important role in constraining rates of infection in many countries, but have taken a heavy social and economic toll.”
“Most African countries have been forced to close borders and lock down citizens to stem the spread of the virus. This poses not only unforeseen logistical hurdles, but a collapse in demand would present a less than auspicious start to the landmark deal. There would also have been capacity constraints, given the need for complete dedication of resources to crisis management.”
“Perhaps it is fitting that the United States, the wealthiest country in the world, should offer insight for Africa – the world’s least developed region. Africa can look to the US for signs of what is to come, some useful policy responses, and plenty of examples of how not to react to this pandemic.”
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