Digital Baraza: Implications of COVID-19 for Africa Economies, Markets, Policy and the Regulatory Response




© FAR

The social and economic impact of the Corona Virus has forced policymakers in many countries across Africa to act fast and make hard choices. Many of these have introduced a series of stimulus and relief packages to mitigate its impact. The recent announcement of a debt moratorium by Africa's creditors including IMF and World for some of Africa's poorest countries though welcome is still short of the $100 billion that is needed to provide the urgent fiscal space Africa needs to address immediate safety net needs of the population.

The economic shock, disruption of all aspects of life and businesses is likely to shatter the region's dreams of lifting millions out of poverty. A report by Economic Commission for Africa estimates over 27 million of jobs will be lost as a result of the Pandemic.

In this webinar, leading African voices will join us remotely to help us understand what is happening in various countries and share insights on continent's business outlook.

 

Topics for discussion will include:

 

The Policy Intervention

Many countries have reacted by introducing monetary and fiscal response to the economic toll of COVID 19 - Interest rates lowered, debt moratorium, tax breaks or tax reduction in some countries. Who is doing what, Are these measures effective?

The Business Reaction

How have businesses responded, what measures are businesses taking to stay afloat. what sectors will survive and who's been hit the hardest?. How does corporate governance look like in the face of the pandemic?

The future

What next for Africa corporates ? What is the short, medium and long term strategy ?