Africa Center Commentary & Analysis

Through high-level relationships and a track record of well-respected analysis, the Africa Center speaks directly to the stakeholders who matter, shaping policy on the foremost issues of this dynamic continent.

New Atlanticist

Apr 29, 2020

Africa still sees a massive pandemic in its future, but partnerships may lessen blow

By Katherine Golden

With an uncertain future for the pandemic that lies ahead, the Africa CDC is encouraging pivotal partnerships to act quickly to secure Africa amid haphazardly understood policies, little access to water and sanitation, and resource constraints.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 20, 2020

African private sector mobilizes COVID-19 response

By Aubrey Hruby

In times when neighbors are competing with each other for medical supplies, the private sector is creating partners out of competitors. Across the continent, coalitions are coming together to support public health responses and fight the virus: a private sector response that is even more important in resource-constrained African countries.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 17, 2020

Barriers to mass testing for COVID-19 in Africa

By Bronwyn Bruton and Neil Edwards

Beyond top-line concerns over supply of test kits, other barriers to mass testing for COVID-19 in Africa include logistical constraints surrounding access to rural and densely populated urban areas, limitations on healthcare personnel and facilities, distrust of healthcare workers, and stigma associated with the virus itself.

Africa Coronavirus

Event Recap

Apr 8, 2020

‘African Security: An Introduction’ book launched with discussion of US security engagement in Africa

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, April 8, the Africa Center hosted the virtual book launch of African Security: An Introduction, featuring a topical discussion of emerging trends in African security with authors Dr. John Siko and Dr. Jonah Victor. They were also joined by Ms. Brittany Brown, who formerly served on the National Security Council (under both Obama and Trump) and is now chief of staff for the International Crisis Group.

Africa Conflict

AfricaSource

Apr 8, 2020

Using Google reports to estimate Africa’s response to COVID-19: A compilation of the data

By Neil Edwards

Google's newly released mobility reports provide statistical breakdowns by country of residents’ mobility to a variety of common locations including retail and recreation spaces, grocery stores, transit stations, places of work, and residences. This blog pursues a deep dive of the data, remarking on Africa's varied responses.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 7, 2020

Using Google reports to estimate Africa’s response to COVID-19: Key findings

By Luke Tyburski

On April 2, Google published community mobility reports, showing how different countries and regions are adapting their movements to the coronavirus. By graphing this data, we get a unique glimpse into the state and diversity of African responses.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Apr 2, 2020

Coronavirus deals a blow to Ethiopia’s elections

By Bronwyn Bruton

On March 31, the government of Ethiopia indefinitely postponed historic elections that were scheduled to take place in August. This makes Ethiopia the first African nation, in what is likely to be a wave of countries, forced to set back highly contentious political contests in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, with significant implications for the outcome.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Mar 31, 2020

Watching the spread of coronavirus in Côte d’Ivoire

By Maxwell Bone

Similar to many other African countries, the novel coronavirus pandemic poses grave threats to Côte d'Ivoire's health systems and economy. However, as cases of COVID-19 spike, another problem is arising: the country's socioeconomic and political divisions are being re-illuminated and could lead to destabilization.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Mar 30, 2020

Coronavirus comes to Sudan

By Cameron Hudson

Not yet one year into a historic political transition and in the midst of an economic collapse, Sudan’s future was already hanging in the balance. The addition of a national and global public health crisis now has the potential for a ‘make or break’ impact on the country.

Africa Coronavirus

AfricaSource

Mar 27, 2020

Tanzania’s mild response to COVID-19 and its implications for the 2020 elections

By Neil Edwards

Tanzanian President John Magufuli received widespread criticism as he encouraged the public to continue to attend places of worship, rather than imposing stringent restrictions to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. As the number of cases rise in Dar es Salaam, what will the spread in the city look like? With the upcoming 2020 presidential election, will Magufuli use the COVID-19 outbreak as a pretext for seeking a third term in office?

Africa Coronavirus