The African continent’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has provided valuable lessons for the rest of the world in meeting this challenge. Most African countries have moved rapidly to deepen regional coordination, deploy health workers and enforce quarantines, lockdowns and border closures. Governments and health authorities are also drawing on the experience of HIV/AIDS and Ebola to debunk rumors and overcome mistrust of officials, security forces and health workers.
Nonetheless, continued vigilance and preparedness are critical as the virus remains a threat to life, livelihoods and health across the continent.
Many countries across the continent have enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. Standards of living have risen; the digital revolution has taken hold; and the African Continental Free Trade Area is moving from vision to reality.