United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: The new crown epidemic severely impacts the African economy
Xinhua News Agency, Addis Ababa, August 11 (Reporter Wang Shoubao) Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, said on the 11th that the new crown epidemic continues to spread and has caused a serious impact on the African economy.
Songgui said at the joint video conference on the fight against the epidemic jointly organized by the Chinese Mission to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa that day, even with optimistic estimates, Africa's economic growth rate this year may drop to nearly zero from the previously expected 3.2%.
She said that the epidemic prevention and control measures caused approximately US$69 billion in economic losses to Africa every month. The economic development of some countries in Africa relies on tourism and hotel industries, but the epidemic has severely damaged these industries. While controlling the epidemic, Africa needs to work hard to keep some economic sectors open to alleviate the adverse effects on the economy.
Songwe spoke highly of China's support for fighting the epidemic in Africa. She said that the cooperation between the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Ant Financial in the field of e-commerce has enabled some small and medium enterprises in Africa to obtain resources and support.
She also emphasized the importance of further strengthening global cooperation to jointly fight the epidemic. "Africa needs to buy test kits and personal protective equipment. Africa's urgently needed resources need to be met. We hope that every country can participate in it."
According to data released by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the 11th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Africa exceeded 1.05 million, and the cumulative number of deaths exceeded 23,000.