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Sub-Sahara Africa and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflecting on Challenges and Recovery Opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Billy Agwanda

    (Department of African Studies and International Relations, Istanbul Commerce University)

  • Gershon Dagba

    (Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana)

  • Prince Opoku

    (Department of Public Administration, Punjabi University)

  • Mark Opoku Amankwa

    (Department of Public Administration, Punjabi University)

  • Israel Nyaburi Nyadera

    (Department of Government and Public Administration, University of Macau)

Abstract

How has Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic? This article seeks to examine the challenges faced by a region that was earlier expected to be the epicenter of the pandemic. The study identifies three critical stages that pose challenges for governments and development partners operating in SSA trying to avoid mass infections and the subsequent negative socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. First, the article begins by examining the challenges experienced in restraining the spread of COVID-19 such as the lack of adequate resources and technology to effectively pursue contact tracing, the dilemma of implementing lockdowns, and the impact of fake news. Second, the article looks at the challenges arising from technical and capacity elements of testing, treatment, and the development and access to vaccines. Finally, the study examines the potential obstacles to a smooth post-COVID-19 recovery. The author argues that although some positive actions have been taken by governments in SSA during the pandemic, the challenges that are emerging as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of the disease cannot be overlooked. The authors therefore offer several recommendations that can guide policy responses against pandemics in the short and long-run.

Suggested Citation

  • Billy Agwanda & Gershon Dagba & Prince Opoku & Mark Opoku Amankwa & Israel Nyaburi Nyadera, 2021. "Sub-Sahara Africa and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflecting on Challenges and Recovery Opportunities," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 37(4), pages 502-524, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jodeso:v:37:y:2021:i:4:p:502-524
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X211032567
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ozili, Peterson K, 2020. "COVID-19 in Africa: socioeconomic impact, policy response and opportunities," MPRA Paper 99617, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. John E. Ataguba, 2020. "COVID-19 Pandemic, a War to be Won: Understanding its Economic Implications for Africa," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 325-328, June.
    3. Christian M. Rogerson & Tom Baum, 2020. "COVID-19 and African tourism research agendas," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(5), pages 727-741, September.
    4. Jay J. Van Bavel & Katherine Baicker & Paulo S. Boggio & Valerio Capraro & Aleksandra Cichocka & Mina Cikara & Molly J. Crockett & Alia J. Crum & Karen M. Douglas & James N. Druckman & John Drury & Oe, 2020. "Using social and behavioural science to support COVID-19 pandemic response," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(5), pages 460-471, May.
    5. Noah MAULANI & Billy AGWANDA, 2020. "Youth Unemployment and Government Pro-Employment Policies in Zimbabwe," Journal of Social Policy Conferences, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 0(78), pages 229-256, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sunny Enow Aiyuk & Phuthego Phuthego Molosiwa, 2023. "Sanitize the Man, Sanitize the Car: COVID-19 Disease Control in Botswana," Journal of Developing Societies, , vol. 39(2), pages 153-173, June.
    2. Vincent Canwat, 2023. "Political economy of COVID-19: windows of opportunities and contestations in East Africa," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Sally Mmanyi Mtenga & Irene Mashasi & Lyagamula Kisia & Peter Binyaruka & Honorati Masanja & Shukri F Mohamed & Richard E Sanya & Grace Mhalu & Grace Magembe & Kaushik Ramaiya & Gershim Asiki & France, 2025. "Socio-structural and direct health challenges related to illness management among patients with type 2 diabetes in Kenya and Tanzania during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative inquiry," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(4), pages 1-18, April.

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