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<p>What happens when a global pandemic causes an entire nation to go under total lock down in the midst of a school year? As some nations are trying to repatriate their students abroad during these uncertain times, what&#8217;s the reality like for the hundreds of thousands of students on the continent trying to achieve their higher learning ambitions; and, for the institutions responsible for them? CBC Africa spoke to the Dean of the African Leadership University, Gaidi Faraj for more.</p>


How tertiary institutions in Africa are coping with COVID-19

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<p>A coalition of partners is aiming to provide one million meals for vulnerable Nigerians every week. This comes as Nigeria prepares to gradually ease restrictions on the lock-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kola Masha, Founder of The Coalition and Managing Director of Babban Gona joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


COVID-19: Givefood targets one million meals for vulnerable Nigerians weekly

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<p>CFG Advisory says the pandemic shock and the naira devaluation are expected to have a negative impact on the Nigerian economy. Tilewa Adebajo, CEO of CFG Advisory joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


CFG Advisory: COVID-19 shock & naira devaluation to negatively impact Nigeria

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<p>As markets prepare for the first phase of the historic supply cut by oil producer club OPEC and its allies this Friday.</p>


COVID-19: How the global oil cuts deal impacts Nigeria

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<p>Wema Bank reported 56.2 per cent risen in its full-year profit after tax for 2019. The commercial lender also reported a 32 per cent rise in gross earnings. Tunde Mabawonku, Chief Finance &#038; Strategy Officer at Wema Bank joins CNBC Africa to break down the numbers.</p>


Wema Bank sees increase in FY’19 PAT

Wema Bank sees increase in FY’19 PAT, here’s how they plan to weather COVID-19 shocks

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<p>Lagos state plans to decongest mortuaries and correctional facilities across the state. According to the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, non-COVID-19 deaths whose funerals are stalled by the lent period were piling up. He also signed a release order for 209 inmates&#8230;.</p>


Lagos moves to decongest mortuaries & prisons

COVID-19: Lagos moves to decongest mortuaries & prisons

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<p>What do you do if you think you may have the coronavirus but there is no way that you can get yourself to a doctor for a test, well a company based in the Philippines has come out with an app that can help gauge that you may have the virus, and it is proving popular in Africa. Thousands of Africans are using <a href="https://covid19.enadoc.com/">the app</a>, dubbed Cornelia,  to test COVID-19 symptoms and Lars Jeppesen, CEO and Co-founder of Tech One Global.</p>


<p></p>

This App helps you test COVID-19 symptoms before you get to the doctor

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<p>The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has noted that the social and economic issues in Africa that were already highly fragile have now become increasingly  more serious due to the current COVID-19 health crisis. The organisation has developed some solutions that may aid African economies during these times. Professor Njuguna Ndung&#8217;u, Executive Director of African Economic Research Consortium joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


AERC on how fragile African economies can survive the COVID-19 crisis

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<p>Pharmaceutical manufacturer Adcock Ingram will be reopening its critical care manufacturing facility  this week after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, subsequently other employees has been tested for the virus and have come out negative. Joining CNBC Africa for more is Andy Hall, CEO of Adcock Ingram.</p>


Adcock Ingram CEO on what the company is doing to protect its employees from COVID-19

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<p>As a result of the measures put in place by the government to control the spread of coronavirus, start-up companies are part of the groups that have been most affected. CNBC Africa spoke to the Senior Program Officer at Segal Family Foundation, Liana Nzabampema to find out more about how start-ups are being affected by the coronavirus outbreak and how Segal Family Foundation is supporting start-ups.</p>


How start-up companies are navigating the COVID-19 environment

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<p>Recent weeks have seen oil prices drop to their lowest in history. But could this present an opportunity for other energy sources? And what kind of impact has it had on the sector in the region? CNBC Africa spoke to the CEO of East African Power Dan Klinck for more.</p>


COVID-19: An opportunity for alternative energy sources?

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<p>Paul Njoki, Head of Wealth Management at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya joined CNBC Africa to light on trends and recovery efforts post the COVID-19 outbreak. He also touched on the role played by the insurance at the wake of the pandemic.</p>


StanChart on how the insurance sector is responding to COVID-19


<p>Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening announced the gradual phasing out of the country&#8217;s lockdown in Ogun States, Lagos and Abuja from the 4th May.</p>



<p>Below is his full statement&#8230;</p>



<p>ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI,</p>



<p>PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020</p>



<p>1.            Fellow Nigerians</p>



<p>2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.</p>



<p>3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.</p>



<p>4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>



<p>5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.</p>



<p>6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.</p>



<p>7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.</p>



<p>8. I am using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share your grief.</p>



<p>9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.</p>



<p>10. This means that despite the increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.</p>



<p>11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.</p>



<p>12. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.</p>



<p>13. Based on your feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC have established several sample collection centers. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.</p>



<p>14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.</p>



<p>15. I commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.</p>



<p>16. Over 10,000 healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states.</p>



<p>17. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly equipped.</p>



<p>18. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations.</p>



<p>19. We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.</p>



<p>20. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.</p>



<p>21. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still ongoing in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to finetune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.</p>



<p>22. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially in these difficult and uncertain times.<br><br>23. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.</p>



<p>24. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection.</p>



<p>25. As we continue to streamline our response in the centers of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts, with immediate effect.</p>



<p>26. In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.</p>



<p>27. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.</p>



<p>28. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings.</p>



<p>29. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in our country.</p>



<p>30. However, such lockdowns have also come at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines.</p>



<p>31. In my last address, I mentioned that Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.</p>



<p>32. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on how to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practices while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.</p>



<p>33. We assessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.</p>



<p>34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.</p>



<p>35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.</p>



<p>36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.</p>



<p>37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.</p>



<p>38. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.</p>



<p>39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;<br>a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services;<br>b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;<br>c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and<br>d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.</p>



<p>40. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.</p>



<p>41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.<br>42. In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above.<br>43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.</p>



<p>44. These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State.</p>



<p>45. With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States.</p>



<p>46. I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our Government.</p>



<p>47. I will also recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support have significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date.</p>



<p>48. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.</p>



<p>49. I also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.</p>



<p>50. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.</p>



<p>51. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.</p>



<p>52. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria</p>


Central Bank of Nigeria cuts benchmark lending rate to 12.5%

Nigeria to phase out lockdown in Abuja, Lagos & Ogun States, these are the details


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded" style="margin-top:0px"><figure class="alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Disha-Laungani-150x150.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-369008" width="129" height="129" /><figcaption>Image supplied by Curtin University Dubai</figcaption></figure></div>



<p><em><strong>About the Author:</strong> Disha Laungani is the Associate Vice-President for Marketing and Student Recruitment at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://curtindubai.ac.ae/?utm_medium=Backlink&amp;utm_source=CNBC&amp;utm_campaign=Marketing_Covid19_Article" target="_blank">Curtin University Dubai</a>. With a decade of experience in her field, her interests lie in building brands and telling their stories. She holds a degree in Media and Communication and a Master in Business Administration.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Marketing during COVID-19 &#8211; how to not make your audience hate your brand</strong></h2>



<p>“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. Replacing the word ‘species’ with ‘brands’ in this quote by Charles Darwin will aptly summarize the rest of this piece.</p>



<p>In just two months, the world has transformed with the COVID-19 pandemic. With this virus impacting lives and economies, we are currently living in a unique time that even seasoned professionals have not encountered before.</p>



<p>Brands around the world are also struggling to cope with these trying times. The global challenge is industry agnostic; every brand manager is currently dealing with the same dilemma of, “how do I save my brand from being impacted?”&nbsp;&nbsp;The truth is, you can’t.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Resisting or ignoring the current situation and its impact on businesses is fatal. As brand custodians, our harsh reality is that change is imminent. There is an urgent need to respond to this pandemic with an effective marketing strategy &#8211; one that will continue to engage our audience, the brand’s believers, and avoid actions that lead to angry rants on public platforms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While we don’t have a fail-proof set of instructions on how to effectively implement a novel marketing strategy for this novel virus, in times like these it’s best to use your emotional intelligence with your expertise – a juxtaposition of your gut feeling with concrete industry data.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Messaging Matters</strong></h3>



<p>Every brand knows that it’s important to relay the right message to its target audience. Your audience right now is crying for help, and are either looking for solutions, reassurance or just some positivity during this tumultuous period. They want to trust you and your product. </p>



<p>Your brand’s content needs to be relevant and reliable, like Nike’s brilliant social media post which encouraged social distancing through their campaign “play inside”. The witty headline was followed by an equally gripping copy that read “If you ever dreamed of playing for millions around the world, now is your chance&#8221;, which resonated with Nike’s followers who applauded the brand’s creativity and appreciated its concern for the world.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Customers want to experience empathy</strong></h3>



<p>Consumers are quick to distance themselves from brands that lack empathy. A donation towards a good cause or a display of genuine concern will help you strike a chord with your intended audience immediately.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Think about what your audience needs right now and how you can help them achieve it. Fitness centers and gyms have been forced to shut down for an indefinite period but continue to run free classes through live videos, hence reinforcing their commitment towards their clients’ wellbeing, leading them to attract a wider audience. At Curtin University Dubai, we are providing generous financial aid to students to help them continue with their education. This simple act has been met with positive responses and sighs of relief. A thoughtful gesture that shows compassion and concern towards the customers will boost brand loyalty as well as awareness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Make smarter decisions&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p> A change in strategy and making wiser investment decisions is crucial to help you combat the drop in sales. For instance, budgets assigned to mass media advertising, can be reallocated towards services that allow your audience some ease of access. Introducing a web-store, setting up easy installment purchases, or offering contactless deliveries will encourage your audience to continue using your product or service from the safety of their homes.&nbsp;</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><strong>&nbsp;“The consumer isn’t a moron. She is your wife” – David Ogilvy&nbsp;</strong></p></blockquote>



<p>It is important not to undermine the intelligence of your audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Make sure your content and messaging is genuine, do not fake a show of solidarity. Several companies have faced flak for being opportunistic while failing to add value to the society and communities that surround them. Brands need to conscientiously invest in the well-being of people, instead of wasting resources on unnecessary gimmicks. Such efforts don’t have to be grand, just genuine. We must not use the pandemic as an excuse to prey on the consumer’s fears to boost sales. Encouraging panic buying or creating a FOMO factor wouldn’t be a wise move right now.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your marketing strategy during this time can sink or seal your relationship with your consumers. This is a period that will be talked about for years to come, hence it is crucial to use this time to strengthen your relationship with customers by giving them something to remember. This is the time to invest in goodwill, uphold the brand image and retain your customers, because as the age old adage goes, “this too shall pass.”</p>


shutterstock_401742355

COVID-19: Marketing during a pandemic


<p><em>By Siddharth Chatterjee</em></p>



<p>Sexual and reproductive health and pandemics might seem to be unrelated topics, but large and dense populations are drivers of the high velocity transmission of COVID-19, and there are lessons to be learned for the future.</p>



<p>Gains made in women’s sexual reproductive health and rights just took several steps backward in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to contraceptives has been interrupted, resulting in an increase in unintended pregnancies. With schools closed, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriages are rising. Globally gender-based violence has risen exponentially, as people are advised or required to stay home, and women and girls may not be able to leave an unsafe or violent situation.</p>



<p>The United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) Executive Director, <a href="https://www.unfpa.org/press/women-girls-health-workers-must-not-be-overlooked-global-covid-19-response">Natalia Kanem</a> has said, “the world needs to do much more to ensure that the most intimate, yet essential, needs of the world’s women and girls are met while we battle COVID-19.”</p>



<p>Among the chief immediate concerns is severely reduced access to sexual and reproductive healthcare while the pandemic rages on. But diminished women’s rights and services have even greater long-term implications for the outbreak and spread of future epidemics.</p>



<p>Africa has yet to see the devastation from COVID-19 that most developed countries are facing in terms of infections and deaths, but the virus is already wreaking havoc on the livelihoods of millions on the continent. With travel bans, curfews and lockdowns, for countless who depend on daily wages and small informal businesses, are facing hunger and destitution. Unlike richer nations, most African countries have little wriggle room in their budgets to afford meaningful stimulus packages and have social safety nets.</p>



<p>Some forecasts suggest that in the absence of a considerable fiscal stimulus, COVID-19 could see Africa’s GDP decline by <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2020/04/16/figures-of-the-week-the-macroeconomic-impact-of-covid-19-in-africa/">over 5% in 2020</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>So how can the world–and the African continent in particular–better prepare itself for the next pandemic?</strong></h2>



<p>A good place to start is with the root of recent pandemics. Zoonosis is the transmission of a disease from animals to human. COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are all coronaviruses, and all originated in bats, which are a natural reservoir for viruses.</p>



<p>Such jumps from animals to humans are on the rise for reasons that include unhygienic and close proximity to animals, bush meat consumption, wet markets and–crucially–human encroachment into wilderness and wildlife habitats.</p>



<p>One of the main drivers of such encroachment is the exponential population growth.</p>



<p>We are exploiting forests at a calamitous rate, eating away into the traditional buffer zones that once separated humans from animals, and from the pathogens that they carry. Forest destruction also drives climate change and soil erosion. In turn, growing urbanization means higher population densities, providing a ready route for the rapid and extensive spread of disease.</p>



<p>Long-term preparation must begin with the acknowledgment that runaway population growth is a driver of modern pandemics.</p>



<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres observed on the <a href="https://www.unfpa.org/press/secretary-generals-message-world-population-day">2019 World Population Day</a>, “for many of the least developed countries, the challenges to sustainable development are compounded by rapid population growth as well as vulnerability to climate change.”</p>



<p>Most African health systems operate in a constant state of struggle and crisis. There is <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/middle-east-and-africa/tackling-covid-19-in-africa">only one doctor for every 1,000 people in Africa</a>, and each must serve overwhelmingly young, poor and unemployed patient populations.</p>



<p>Family planning and sexual health services are only patchily available, and cultural pressures mean girls and women may find it difficult to access them even where they exist. Too often the result is large families living in poverty and ill-health, and a worrying predominance of early pregnancy.</p>



<p>Africa is the most rapidly urbanizing region in the world, with 50-70% of urban dwellers living in slums. Uncontrolled population growth, crowded and unhygienic conditions, and destruction of natural ecosystems combine to create a perfect storm for the next pandemic, whose speed, scale and virulence may well surpass COVID 19.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Urgent action needed now</strong></h2>



<p>In such circumstances there is a central need for bold global leadership. That is why policymakers, led by the US, must reconsider the Mexico City policy, often known as the <a href="https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/fact-sheet/mexico-city-policy-explainer/">global gag rule</a>. The recently expanded global gag rule now applies not only to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare and safe abortion, but also to programmes that include HIV, water, sanitation and hygiene.</p>



<p>In Kenya we are already seeing the domino effect of the global gag rule <a href="https://news.trust.org/item/20190306133032-t3xz2">with increased teenage pregnancies and a spike in unsafe abortions</a>. Almost <a href="https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2017/03/teen-mothers-kenya-become-powerful-advocates-change/">one in five girls aged 15-19</a> is either pregnant or already has a baby. Adolescent girls in the worst affected parts of Kenya have lost their ability to make informed choices. &nbsp;It is a crisis of health, education and opportunity, made far worse by COVID 19.</p>



<p>It should concern all leaders that reduced resources for such programmes have led to more poor women suffering the effects of unplanned pregnancies, contributed to higher rates of maternal mortality and to an increase in unsafe abortions. Goals for programmes such as the <a href="http://www.familyplanning2020.org/about-us">Family Planning 2020</a>(FP 2020) launched by Melinda Gates, which includes giving 120 million more women and girls access to contraceptives by 2020, will remain unfulfilled as the deadline approaches. FP2020 is based on the principle that&nbsp;all women, no matter where they live, should have&nbsp;access to lifesaving contraceptives.</p>



<p>Today, Africa has the world’s highest fertility rates. On average, women in <a href="https://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2016/04/changing-narrative-fertility-decline-africa/">sub-Saharan Africa have about five childrenover their reproductive lifetime</a>, compared to a global average of <strong>2.5 children</strong>. Africa’s population is expected to grow from the current 1.1 billion to 2.3 billion people by 2050 while the global population is expected to reach 10 billion at that time.</p>



<p>If Africa accelerates structural reforms, some believe the continent can emulate China’s rapid rise of the last 50 years. <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/africa-global-growth-economics-worldwide-gdp/">McKinsey predicts $5.6 trillion in African business opportunities by 2025.</a> If Africa succeeds, it could be a poster child for Sustainable Development Goal 1-ending poverty by 2030, as well as become a stable and prosperous economic partner for the rest of the world.</p>



<p>At the top of the reforms must be safeguarding the primacy of reproductive health and rights. With a median age of 19 years, for Africa to benefit from the <a href="https://demographicdividend.org/">demographic dividend</a> its youthful population could offer, family sizes must fall drastically. Smaller households link directly to improved health, education and living standards, which in turn translate into investment, employment, and economic growth. This can only happen if programmes that increase access to family planning are widely available.</p>



<p>We must look at strategies to stabilize the global population with renewed urgency. Political and religious, globally must show courage, responsibility and vision through a robust commitment to ensuring that every person, everywhere, has access to affordable contraception and is able to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights.</p>



<p>To help stave off the havoc of the next pandemic, the world must unite behind UNFPA’s mission “to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”</p>



<p><strong><em>Siddharth Chatterjee is the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Kenya. </em></strong><strong><em>He has served in various parts of the world with UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNOPS, UN Peacekeeping and the Red Cross Movement. A decorated Special Forces veteran, he is an alumnus of Princeton University. Follow him on twitter-</em></strong><a href="https://twitter.com/sidchat1?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"><strong><em>@sidchat1</em></strong></a><strong></strong></p>


A pregnant woman in Kenya’s North Eastern Province with one of her children. Overpopulation in the area contributes to poor maternal health. Credit: Isaiah Esipisu/IPS

Why reproductive rights must be a critical part of our arsenal to fight pandemics


<p>On Thursday South Africa&#8217;s President Cyril Ramaphosa said there would be a <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/coronavirus/2020/04/23/sa-to-phase-out-lockdown-these-are-the-details/">gradual phasing out of lockdown</a>, which was <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/news/2020/03/23/breaking-nationwide-lockdown-announced-in-south-africa/">implemented in March</a> to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19. Starting on the 1st of May the country will move from phase 5 to phase 4, here is a list of industries the country will reopen in the various phases, subject to change after consultation with business, labour and civil society: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-04-25-Permitted-goods-services-and-movement-Public-Version.pdf">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-04-25-Permitted-goods-services-and-movement-Public-Version.pdf</a></p>


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These are the sectors SA is considering reopening in phase 4


<p>Benson Kibiti, Director of Communications at Power for All</p>



<p>“At times, the catch is high yet we have nowhere to sell. If the county government revived the cold storage and fish value chain system, the prices of fish would fetch higher prices,” Fredrick Otieno, a fisherman on the western shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya says in an interview with the Business Daily. Otieno’s sentiments came after a cold storage plant funded by the European Union broke down in 2013. A day’s catch must be sold quickly or thrown away. For an industry that employs 12 million people (58% in the fishing and 42% in the processing sector) in Africa alone, lack of proper cold storage remains a serious problem for many fishing communities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 16% of the total seafood loss occurs during post-harvest operations due to lack of proper cold storage, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).</p>



<p>FOR MORE ON COVID-19 VISIT: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a></p>



<p>The fisheries sector is crucial to food and nutrition security, and its importance is growing given the need for food security and access to nutritious food during this time of high stress and uncertainty due to COVID-19. There is a need for sustainable healthy diets which are crucial in protecting people’s immunity as well as functional food supply chains. As former International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Director General Shenggen Fan, <a href="https://www.ifpri.org/blog/preventing-global-food-security-crisis-under-covid-19-emergency">writes</a>, “COVID-19 is a health crisis. But it could also lead to a food security crisis if proper measures are not taken.”</p>



<p>According to the latest <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/publication/for-sub-saharan-africa-coronavirus-crisis-calls-for-policies-for-greater-resilience?cid=afr_tt_wbafrica_fr_ext">Africa’s Pulse</a>, the World Bank’s bi-annual analysis of the state of the region’s economies, COVID-19 has the potential to create a severe food security crisis in the region, with agricultural production contracting between 2.6% and 7% in the scenario with trade blockages. Transport routes blockages are particularly obstructive for fresh food supply chains but also affect basic grains and staples.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The seafood supply chain is highly dependent on a well-functioning cold chain and just like any other chain, it’s only as strong as its weakest link. It’s highly dependent on electricity to power refrigerators and freezers to maintain the quality of frozen fish products. If the power supply is interrupted, the whole chain can be jeopardized. Access to reliable electricity is, therefore, one of the most critical requirements to ensure the safety and quality of seafood in any cold chain. &nbsp;In rural and remote areas that are dependent on fishing but are challenged by little or no access to grid electricity, deploying decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions such as mini-grids and solar-powered freezers and refrigerators can help to reduce losses.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1110" height="371" src="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-1110x371.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-369153" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-1110x371.jpg 1110w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-300x100.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-768x257.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-696x233.jpg 696w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss-1068x357.jpg 1068w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/food-loss.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px" /><figcaption>Fish and seafood loss and waste is shockingly high at over a third of all fish and seafood caught or farmed. Illustration by Mark Garrison, data from the FAO</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fish and seafood loss and waste is shockingly high at over a third of all fish and seafood caught or farmed. Illustration by Mark Garrison, data from the FAO</p>



<p>Innovation is already happening across the continent. In Mozambique, Winrock International’s<a href="https://www.winrock.org/keeping-fish-fresh-in-mozambique/"> GreenTech project</a> is working with SunDanzer Refrigeration to develop solar chilling products for use by artisanal fish traders. In Ghana, a Munich-based solar system provider <a href="https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/07/03/redavia-solar-lease-solution-keeps-fish-cool-in-ghana/">Redavia</a> recently installed a 90 kW solar PV system at Movelle’s cold storage facility for frozen fish products while in Nigeria, <a href="http://www.coldhubs.com/coldhubnews/allon-invests">ColdHubs</a> has deployed solar-powered cold rooms for coastal communities in Niger-Delta region to serve more than 200 fishermen and retailers. In Somalia, <a href="https://power-offgrid.com/">Power OffGrid</a> plans to build a solar-powered ice block making plant and a cold-storage facility in Cadale region, North of Mogadishu. “Lack of electricity to power cold storage facilities has kept fishermen fearful of rotting fish, or selling their catch at reduced prices in the afternoon before they turn sour,” said Abdullahi Malin, co-founder, and chief technology officer of Power Offgrid.</p>



<p>In the Islands of Lake Victoria in East Africa, local fishermen had been unable to organize the cold-chain and logistics to supply Tilapia to demand centers in Dar Es Salaam. <a href="http://www.jumeme.com/">JUMEME</a>, a solar mini-grid company, is closing this gap. The company purchases Tilapia from local fishermen paying fair prices making this business attractive to more and more fishermen, cleans the fish, deep-freezes the Tilapia using its locally generated mini-grid electricity, packs it in cooler boxes, delivers it via ferries to the mainland and onwards via lorries to wholesalers in Dar Es Salaam where the Tilapia is sold with a margin. Jumeme has created 60 permanent jobs for its employees, and over 45 fishermen are earning revenue from the business leading to increased income to 500 people in 108 households.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Kisaba Village, located on Bukasa Island in Uganda, 90% of the income generated in the village is fishing related. Most people rely on flake ice as the main tool for preservation during handling and transport. But getting flake ice is not a simple task. Most fishmongers need to buy flake ice in Entebbe and travel six hours back to Kisaba village for use. This process is inefficient and costly.&nbsp; The <a href="https://spark.adobe.com/page/vMiRHcJ0UAi4b/">United Nations Capital Development Fund</a> (UNCDF) launched the Ssese Islands Mini-grid Project in 2018. The 100kW solar mini-grid helps offset the costs of ice by selling locally-made, lower-cost flaked ice to island fishers. As a result, fishmongers save an average of USD 2 per bag of ice. They also save time and saw about a 35% reduction in post-harvest losses.</p>



<p>The deployment of solar power in the seafood supply chain will not just enhance food security, it will also allow communities that are highly dependent on fishing to earn more. Besides improving economic gains through safe and expanded market connectivity, solar-powered cold-chains can help improve the resilience of fish farmers and the rural communities in which they are located. Without a reliable source of energy, the opportunity to increase incomes will remain unrealised.</p>


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