Restrictions in trade to contain COVID-19 have been devastating for Africa’s urban poor
ASTRID R.N. HAAS, Policy Director, International Growth Centre VICTORIA DELBRIDGE, Head of the Cities that Work initiative, International Growth Centre Trade routes have been significantly disrupted this year in efforts to contain COVID-19. The effects of this are already showing: global growth is set to contract by 4.9% and growth in sub-Saharan Africa will contract by 3.2%. This will get worse if continued restrictions further impede trade. The World Trade Organisation has warned that at worst, global trade could collapse by a third this year, and at best, it will contract by 13%, similar to the recorded drop after the…