The African Union (AU) in its briefing to the Permanent Representatives Committee on the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on African Economies has advised African governments to consider the disease as an opportunity to reposition themselves and take full advantage of the changes expected in the aftermath of the crisis.

In a communique signed by Commissioner for Economic Affairs African Union Commission Victor Harison, AU leaders who participated in a video conference observed, “If so far, China happens to be the ‘factory of the world’ because of the skill and cost of labour, Africans will have to consider the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to reposition themselves and take full advantage of the changes expected in the aftermath of the crisis.”

The meeting also encouraged African governments to equip young people with the skills to attract multinational companies and other players in world trade, in order to level the vacuum of unemployment.  

It suggests member-states promote strategic industries for local production in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors, prioritize the development of hard and digital infrastructure in all approaches to fighting the pandemic.

The meeting also recommended the elimination of export restrictions on staple foods and essential medical supplies, and work with ports, aviation, and border authorities to keep trade flowing. The continental body also called for the urgent suspension of tariffs on imports of essential Covid-19 medical supplies and create expedited customs ‘green lanes’ for health goods.

The conference appealed for rescheduling of African countries’ debts.

The statement said African countries “request the total cancellation of debt of African countries low-income and standstill on the servicing of external debt for a period of two years for other African countries. It also requests from international communities and multilateral institutions a total of $100 billion to support and revive African economies.”

Looking into the future, the committee resolved that Africa invests in and builds targeted industries as a way of shielding itself against vagaries such as the ones visited on the continent by the coronavirus.

The conference recommended the promotion of “strategic industry for local production in pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors” and ‘focus efforts on restoration and governance of the economies post-Covid-19.”

It says further, Africa “should prioritize the development of hard and digital infrastructure in all approaches to fighting the pandemic,” in addition to “stimulus packages are needed fast to address the negative impact of the pandemic on national airlines, state-owned enterprises, private sector firms, and the informal sector.”