COVID 19 and Regionalism in Africa

Differences in the capacity of states to address the epidemic and the economic implications could pose long term challenges for containment of the spread of the virus as well as ensuring economic recovery. The fluid borders between many countries in Africa presents additional challenges and opportunities for a regional response to mitigating the health and economic implications of COVID-19. Using an eclectic theoretical approach, this paper examines how a regional integration approach is fundamental to managing COVID 19 in Africa. It concludes that beyond the current responses, recovery strategies should include a strong structural component to reduce dependence on external financial flows and global markets, and develop more value-adding, knowledge-intensive and industrialised economies. Regional health infrastructures and policies should be put in place, with human and material support from regional hegemons such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt in ways that will ensure that smaller states on the continent are not left out of the recovery process.