Prices are the signals the private sector relies on to direct resources. Snuffing out these signals may prove too costly for consumers in the end.
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South Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was one of ‘intervene first and ask questions later’. Now is the time for government to state clearly what its strategic endgame is.
Africa is facing a profound crisis that could set its development back a generation. It needs a solution to its debt problems that doesn’t cripple countries.
Millions of South Africans exchange billions of rands annually but disputes involving these transactions hardly ever appear before the country’s courts.
Downgrades have a devastating effect on economies that are already strained. The decision to downgrade during a crisis like the coronavirus pandemic must be challenged.
Mauritius relies on a strategy of being open to imports and exports.
A wealth tax on the top 1% of South Africans could raise R143 billion. This corresponds to 29% of the R500 billion COVID-19 package announced by the government.
What does lockdown mean for the world’s poor? This documentary finds out - by asking them
African countries should draw from past experience to put together plans to manage the post-COVID-19 tourism void
One of the key economic mitigating measures put in place after the country’s COVID-19 lockdown has had very little uptake by employers and will leave miillions of workers without any cover.
There are significant economic and social pull factors behind the popularity of used clothing.
County governments and the health ministry should allow produce markets to operate in urban areas.
When restricting the movement of their citizens to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, low income countries should tailor measures to local socio-economic circumstances.
Phones sometimes serve as a ‘digital leash’ to check women’s whereabouts - a growing feature of many relationships and conflicts.
South Africa cannot afford to embark on a strategy of extended periodic lockdowns. It needs to shift to mass testing and contact tracing.
Africa’s industries are not growing at the same pace as its cities, leaving the informal economy as the main source of income for many. COVID-19 lockdowns have cut this umbilical cord.
Mauritius preserved its social welfare system even during structural reforms in the 1970s. It is now better prepared than most nations for the health and economic impact of COVID-19.
The South African government should be spending more, not less, to boost economic growth and create jobs.
The current lockdown in Zimbabwe is going to provide a stern test for its informal economy, which is the country’s dominant economy and employs 90% of people.
South Africa must develop a comprehensive health and economic strategy if it is to stop the COVID-19 pandemic without causing long term socio-economic damage.
The IMF/World Bank spring meetings offer Africa an opportunity to put on the table what it needs to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Governments worldwide have put in place economic and tax relief measures to mitigate the impact on businesses and workers of drastic public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
The system is well-resourced for urban and well-off families, but leaves the poor and mostly rural youth inadequately prepared.
South Africa won’t flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve unless all citizens have the means to stay at home. But for many, it’s either they stay at home and starving, or go out to make a living.
COVID-19 has brought to the fore the interdependency of business and society. It’s time for amendments to the social contract that underlies societal support for business.