COVID-19: How the pandemic is deepening pre-existing inequalities

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political, and economic systems. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sheds light on how the pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities, particularly for women and youth in Africa. Eziakonwa emphasizes the stark digital divide, where 3.6 billion people worldwide lack internet access, with 900 million Africans being disconnected. Only 27% of African women have internet access, and a mere 15% can afford to use it. As the world shifted to virtual platforms due to the pandemic, women in Africa faced significant challenges due to their limited access to digital resources. However, youth showed remarkable ingenuity in leveraging technology to address COVID-19 challenges at both the community and national levels. Eziakonwa highlights the UNDP's 'Africa Innovation' magazine, featuring 50 homegrown solutions that tackle COVID-19, many of which are digitally-driven, demonstrating the continent's potential for technological innovation. The pandemic also disproportionately impacted women engaged in informal trade and small to medium enterprises. Lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and lack of government support led to the collapse of many businesses in the informal sector, where women are predominantly concentrated. Existing social protection mechanisms in African countries proved insufficient, covering only around 20% of the population. Eziakonwa stresses the importance of enhancing social protection programs to better prepare for future shocks and ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups. UNDP, working in collaboration with countries across Africa, has conducted over 30 socio-economic assessments to identify investment priorities, including bolstering social protection systems. Digital tools played a crucial role in sustaining governance and service delivery during the pandemic. Eziakonwa highlights the UNDP's support in deploying e-governance solutions, enabling governments to continue operations virtually. These digital innovations facilitated parliamentary and judicial processes while enhancing access to justice and government services. E-commerce emerged as a vital lifeline, with initiatives like UNDP's partnership with Jumia, an online trading platform, connecting women in informal markets to a broader customer base. Local production also gained significance as global supply chains faltered, prompting a shift towards self-sufficiency. Investments in local industries and innovative solutions have the potential to reshape Africa's economic landscape post-COVID-19. The lessons learned from the pandemic underscore the importance of building back better, with a focus on inclusivity and resilience. Eziakonwa's insights offer a roadmap for leveraging social protection and digital innovation to address inequalities and foster sustainable development in Africa.