NEXT AFRICA: SPRINGING TO ACTION

The Europe and the U.S. dithered. Africa acted.

The coronavirus arrived relatively late in sub-Saharan Africa, with new case counts still at a little more than a trickle in most countries. Yet already more than a dozen nations have curbed most international flight routes. Others have shut borders entirely. Schools have been closed and gatherings restricted.

The contrasts are stark. The U.K., with more confirmed cases than all of Africa combined, has only just shut its schools. While bars remained open across much of Europe even as infections mounted, South Africa has already ordered all pubs and restaurants to either close or stop selling alcohol at night time. Senegal and Ivory Coast have taken similar steps.

Some countries haven’t moved as quickly, with Nigeria late to impose travel bans despite having had the region’s first infection. Ethiopia’s airline hub operates unimpeded, bringing in thousands of visitors from virus-hit China.

Many countries in the region have experience dealing with epidemics. The Democratic Republic of Congo faced repeated Ebola outbreaks and South Africa has millions infected with HIV and tuberculosis.

The decisiveness of the last few weeks belies the stereotype of incompetent and uncaring African governments. It also comes with a clear awareness that many of the continent’s health systems aren’t prepared to cope with a serious outbreak of the virus.

Africa has given itself a head start in the race to stop a crisis. It’s an advantage not to be wasted.

— Antony Sguazzin and Pauline Bax

Source: Bloomberg