COVID-19 and African Economies: A Conversation with Charles Boamah
COVID-19 and African Economies: A Conversation with Charles Boamah
(Former Senior Vice President at African Development Bank Group)Date: 14th August 2020
Time: 3pm Ghana Time / 4pm Cameroon Time
Background
The spread of COVID-19 is accelerating across the world. In Africa, most countries have now confirmed cases and the number of fatalities is rising. If allowed to spread unmanaged, the impact on African citizens and economies will be substantial. Just barely 4 months when Africa recorded its first corona virus case, there has been an upsurge in the number of cases and fatalities. According to the Africa CDC, the continent has recorded 476,200 COVID-19 cases, which is considered very low when compared to other continents.
However, Africa may yet be worst hit by this invisible disease. It’s already fragile health systems, poverty and very dense urban agglomerations are likely to increase the vulnerability of the continent and maybe the lethality of the virus. According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization, Africa should “wake up” to the COVID-19 threat and prepare for a worst-case scenario.
In the wake of this pandemic, the African Development Bank has rolled out emergency response support which began in March to assist African countries and has provided packages for financial relief, preparedness and response.
Overall goal of this event
This event aims to present a clear and accurate picture, highlighting where efforts can be concentrated in the management and mitigation of COVID-19 on the African continent.
Main themes to be discussed during the event
- Preventing and responding to the international spread of disease while avoiding unnecessary disruption to traffic and trade.
- Mobilization of International Economic Support to fight against COVID-19 in African.
- The current health landscape and related challenges, while considering the road ahead.
- How the continent is dealing with the presence of armed conflicts and political instabilities amidst the COVID-19 given that both are economically demanding.
- Provide a comprehensive, accurate, country-level overview of how to raise funds to accompany the implementation of WHO and government requirements in order to develop capacities to detect, monitor and maintain public health capacities and functions.
- The criteria for funding by African Financial Institutions (case study the African Development Bank) during this pandemic.
Expectations
At the end of this event, the participants will understand the following:
- The short, medium and potential long-term effects of the pandemic on the continent.
- The role financial institutions in Africa are playing during the pandemic as a whole and potential avenues to explore.
- The role International Economic Support has played in fighting against COVID-19 in Africa.
- The impact of COVID-19 on various economic activities such as investments, production, distribution, and international trade.
Date and Venue
Date: 14th August 2020
Time: 3pm Ghana Time / 4pm Cameroon Time
Event will be held on ZOOM and streamed live
Panelists/Speakers
Main Guest
Mr. Charles Boamah
Former Senior Vice President at African Development Bank Group
Moderator
Dr. Denis Foretia
Executive Chairman – Nkafu Policy Institute and Co-Chair – Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
Participants
The event will bring together public policy experts, policy makers at the national, continental and international levels, leaders of civil society organizations, economists, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. It will be open to the general public with a session for Q&A.
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