Impact on the economy: economic recession with growth of -5.1% in 2020

A recent study by DS Institute has shown that, according to corrective measures to be taken by governments, the economies of West Africa would be in recession with negative growth of -5.1% in 2020 in the optimistic scenario and 18.7% in the pessimistic scenario because of the Covid-19.

Impact on poverty: 17.7 million new poor

The number of poor would increase by more than 17.7 million in 2020 in the optimistic scenario and by 54.6 million in the pessimistic scenario.

What should governments do?

To mitigate these impacts, governments must take strong measures to support the economy, the informal sector, and households. Since social distancing is difficult, it is important to make it mandatory to wear a facial mask in public and to reach out to populations in order to perform Covid-19 tests.

The full report is available at the following address: DSI_Impact of Covid19 in West Africa 2020_English_2

DSI_Impact du Covid19 en Afrique de l ouest_ 2020_Francais_2