The Macroeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Africa

This briefing tracks some of the major macroeconomic impacts that COVID-19 has had on African economies and how the pandemic has exacerbated historical structural economic deficiencies across the continent.

Monetary and Fiscal Responses

Mapping and evaluating the effectiveness of macroeconomic measures by African countries to combat the impact of Covid-19

Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with a GDP totalling nearly $450 billion. It is a lower-middle income economy of which nearly 90% of exports are oil and gas. Nigeria was selected as a case study because of the significance of its economy in Africa, and its large reliance on […]

South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is an upper-middle-income country with a GDP of more than $350 billion (2019). It has a diversified export portfolio consisting of minerals, precious stones, services, agriculture and manufactured goods. The relative sophistication of the economy and macroeconomic environment makes it an ideal country to be included as a case study.

Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania is a lower-middle income economy located in East Africa. Its GDP is $63 billion (2019) and it relies greatly on exports of gold, agricultural goods and metals. Tanzania was selected as a case study due to the relatively large size of its population (56 million) and its location within different […]