News & Analysis: US-Africa relations
COVID-19 Africa Watch talks to Dr. Youssef Boutros-Ghali, former Finance Minister of Egypt and former chairman of the IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee, about the economic impact of the pandemic, the policy response, SDRs, and more.
“Since the end of the Cold War, a handful of powers have been able to exert influence across the African continent: the United States, China, the European Union, and India. The resource-scarce post-COVID environment will accelerate competition between these powers and lead them into intersecting spheres of influence. The United States is set for declining influence on the continent, creating a vacuum for Europe and China to either willingly or begrudgingly fill.”
“African countries face another debt crisis and will need more long-term help than the latest G20 debt plan offers them to ward off trouble ahead and keep much-needed investments coming in, according to policymakers, analysts and investors.”
“The USAID has terminated its COVID-19 cash transfer programme in Uganda. The decision followed the Ugandan government’s indefinite suspension of GiveDirectly, a non-profit organisation that was conducting the programme.”
“The World Health Organisation said 76 rich nations were now committed to joining a global COVID-19 vaccine allocation plan that aims to help buy and fairly distribute the shots. The United States said it would not join the effort, called COVAX, due to President Donald Trump’s administration’s objection to WHO involvement.”
“African governments do not have the financial resources to weather this storm, and its healthcare systems are ill-equipped to respond to long-term challenges posed by COVID-19. Without greater coordination, there is a risk of a mismanaged international response to this historic crisis.”
“According to figures from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. has deported at least 189 African nationals to their countries of origin from Mar. 1 to Jun. 20.”
“Given the limited reach of the national grids in many sub-Saharan African countries, off-grid solar will continue to be a necessary part of health facilities’ electrification plans. Additionally, as households and businesses adjust to the various disruptions the pandemic is causing, off-grid solar can help bridge the gap and provide solutions to the non-health related issues the pandemic brings.”
“President Paul Kagame encouraged American investors to participate in economic opportunities as Africa emerges out of the COVID-19 recovery process for mutual benefit.”
“Western failings and US-China’s tensions led to unfair accusations against the global health body and its Ethiopian boss, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.”
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