AfDB on policies for building back better in post-COVID-19 Africa

As Africa begins to turn the corner on COVID-19 and governments start to consider policies for building back better, the continent faces the need to address the social, economic, and environmental trade-offs resulting from the impact of the pandemic. Kevin Urama, Senior Director for African Development Institute at the African Development Bank, shared insights on the recommended policy options and strategies for African countries to navigate the path towards recovery and resilience in a recent CNBC Africa interview. Urama highlighted Africa's progress in managing the COVID-19 crisis, with a noticeable decline in cases and deaths since August last year. He emphasized the continued relevance of key policies such as investing in testing, tracing, and isolation of COVID patients, promoting social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene practices, as well as fostering public-private partnerships and proactively implementing flexible work arrangements to sustain job opportunities. Urama stressed the importance of listening to science, leveraging local expertise, and addressing the economic, health, and social implications of the pandemic. In addition, he underlined the necessity for building institutional capacity, advocating for inclusive health systems, and fostering regional and global collaborations in combating health crises like COVID-19. Turning to the role of intergovernmental agencies in supporting Africa's recovery journey, Urama highlighted existing regional frameworks like the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and the African Development Bank's strategic investment programs aimed at addressing infrastructure challenges and enhancing various sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology. He underscored the critical need for implementing and scaling up these policies at national and regional levels to drive sustainable development and economic growth. Urama also emphasized the significance of strengthening the Africa Centers for Disease Control, investing in inclusive health policies, and establishing an Africa Phenom Center to enhance healthcare research and preparedness for future pandemics. Discussing global cooperation in vaccine accessibility, Urama underscored the importance of equitable vaccine distribution to combat the pandemic effectively. Lastly, he touched upon the upcoming Kofi and Eminence Speaker's Lecture Series featuring former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. This event aims to explore the pivotal roles of technology and governance in rebuilding Africa's economies post-COVID-19. Urama expressed anticipation for the valuable insights these two distinguished leaders will share and highlighted the event's significance in facilitating discussions on critical issues facing the continent. The lecture series, slated for November 16th, promises to provide a platform for thought leaders to address bespoke strategies and solutions tailored to Africa's recovery and resilience needs amidst the ongoing pandemic challenges.