Question

How has mining, tourism and agriculture been affected by the Covid-19 corona virus In African countries and how has it affected access to international markets.
(1000 words)

Answer 1

It is important to recognise that coronavirus is extremely infectious and is capable of spreading rapidly. In matter of days and weeks, countries across the world have gone from businesses as usual to being in a state of lockdown. Almost all nations are seeing an increase in cases, although the rates vary widely. The virus has spread far and fast, a regrettable consequence of our immutable interconnectedness. With each passing day, our globally interconnected economy continues to reinforce and foster a sense of deep interdependence between nations and firms that makes them vulnerable to external shocks and disruptions. The rapid spread of contagious disease is beginning to expose the fragility of our globalised system. Let's see how this pandemic has affected mining, agriculture and tourism

South-African mining companies are bracing for a heavy hit from the country's looming nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronovirus, warning of an expected leap in costs in addition to their lost output. A leading producers of metals and minerals such as platinum, palladium, coal, gold and iron ore, South-Africa's labour intensive mining industry is a potential hotbed of infection among the thousands of miners who often work in confined spaces, with some living nearby in cramped accomodation.

Tourism has been one of the hardest hit sectors. Even after the outbreak is over, it could take upto 10 months for the tourism sector to recover. Additionally the travel body estimates that the 2020 global international tourist arrivals in Africa could decline to between 1% to 3% . This could be translated into a loss of $30 to $50 billion in spending by international visitors. Hotels are operating at single digit occupancy rates and in some cases have closed down.

Despite official claims that agriculture must continue even with restrictions, supply chain has been severely affected. Shortage of fertilizers, veterinary medicines and other inputs could also affect agricultural production. Some countries import a significant percentage of seeds and restrictions on regional trade will severely impact delivery. Social-distancing restrictions will limit seed companies' ability to reach farmers as well.

The ongoing spread of the new coronavirus has become one of the biggest threats to the global economy and international markets. Countries have closed their airspaces and international businesses are mostly closed as a result of social distancing guideline and this has further affected the countries' access to international markets.