The World Bank Group commends Tanzania’s unique approaches to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic and also cautions African states to desist from copying Western practices and policies to curb its spread.
The Africa’s Pulse Report titled as “assessing the economic impact of COVID-19 and Policy Responses in Sub-Saharan Africa” applauds Tanzania as one of the best examples for its strategic approaches that considers the best of its political economy and well-being of the society.
With 32 COVID- 19 confirmed cases, 3 deaths and 5 recoveries, Tanzania unlike other African countries has not locked down businesses and its citizens. The country has not also closed its borders but initiated strict testings and 14 days quarantine to all arrivals.
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HIGHPOINTS OF THE REPORT
The report says South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya have reacted quickly and decisively to curb the potential influx and spread of the COVID-19 virus harmoniously with emerging international experience but that there are more questions about suitability and likely effectiveness of some of these policies such as strict confinement.
It advises African governments use a series of emergency measures and structural features of African economies that shape the policy responses that are designed and implemented to fend-off COVID-19.
It says informal employment is the main source of employment in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 89.2 percent of all employment (ILO 2018). Excluding agriculture, informal employment accounts for 76.8 percent of total employment respectively.
Furthermore, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) is an important driver of growth in economies across the region, account for up to 90 percent of all businesses and represent 38 percent of the region’s GDP.
Also, concerns about the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak prompted interest rate cuts in several African countries in line with monetary policy actions around the world. With all these, Africa needs to think global and act local, employing well-tailored policies and practices that would work well on the continent.
Africa has to think globally for sure and plan well to keep others out for some time since it has not reached the continent yet in alarming numbers. Poor countries in Africa should error on the side of caution. Until we know the origin of this Pandemic and have an effective cure that’s been tested in the more infected places as it relates to cures the borders should stay closed. Africa needs to consider the health of the population over economic concerns at this point.
Thanks Hammid for the words of wisdom