Conclusion

The conclusion of the book summarizes the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the early containment and support measures by governments to respond to its projected impacts on the fortunes of African economies, societies, and democratic politics. The chapter highlights among other things the ramifications of the pandemic in the livelihoods of working people, women, and the poor more generally. These are discussed through a reflection on the pre-existing structural conditions and inequalities that exacerbated the measures that governments used to contain the pandemic. In addition, inequity in the distribution of mitigative resources exacerbated poverty, and inequalities. Overall, the pandemic responses in the twelve African countries leaves lessons for policy sovereignty, building and strengthening robust democratic and social policy institutions and enhancing public infrastructure building that is accessible to all citizens.