How the AU plans to cushion Africa from COVID-19 crisis

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the Chair of the African Union, has been spearheading efforts to coordinate a continental response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The African Union Bureau, in collaboration with the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, has been working on a three-pronged strategy to address the challenges posed by the virus. The first pillar focuses on implementing public health containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus in Africa, considering the continent's vulnerable healthcare systems and limited resources. President Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of unblocking trade corridors to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment and supplies needed to combat the pandemic. The second pillar revolves around economic recovery and reconstruction, which Ramaphosa describes as a post-war effort. The AU has been engaging with international financial institutions and G20 countries to discuss strategies such as debt standstills, special allocations for African countries, and economic stimulus packages to support recovery efforts. Lastly, solidarity work aims to address sanctions faced by certain African countries like Sudan and Zimbabwe, to enable them to respond effectively to the crisis. President Ramaphosa has been actively engaging with world leaders, such as Angela Merkel, Donald Trump, and others, to advocate for equitable access to medical equipment and support for Africa during this challenging time. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains a critical agenda for the AU, with efforts ongoing to facilitate its implementation. The AfCFTA is seen as a key component in helping African countries recover economically from the impact of the pandemic. The AU has already raised significant funds for a solidarity fund to combat COVID-19 on the continent, demonstrating the collective commitment of African leaders to address internal challenges and work towards a sustainable recovery. In addition to focusing on internal responses, the AU has also been monitoring reports of mistreatment of Africans in China. The AU has engaged with the Chinese government to address these concerns and ensure the protection of all nationals in the country. These efforts underscore the AU's commitment to promoting solidarity, cooperation, and inclusive growth for the continent's stability and prosperity.