unprecedented times, on the heels of a global pandemic, economic downfall, geopolitical tensions, among other issues.
African nations defied the odds by managing to contain the spread of COVID-19 which has ravaged in other parts of the globe, including the most developed nations. The continent is said to be the least impacted by the pandemic, which in itself is worth celebrating. However, with the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the world severely affected, the global health crisis has taken a toll on the economies in Africa as well. In late 2020, the International Monetary Fund warned that Africa faces an economic shortfall of $290bn up to 2023, undermining all efforts at development.
On the other hand, slow vaccine rollout across the continent has raised concerns over the possibility of new variants emerging. According to a presidential statement issued by the UN Security Council last week, the African continent has so far received only 2 per cent of the COVID vaccines produced globally.
Apart from the pandemic, there are several other burning issues…
