Dossier

EU-Africa relations in times of Covid-19

The uneven distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is one of the main discussion points at EU-African Union summit on 17-18 February 2022. Two years into the pandemic, about 75% of the EU’s population has already received at least one vaccine dose, while on the African continent only 16% have been jabbed. The sustained pandemic not only affects the public health conditions but also African economies, societies and political stability. This dossier sheds light on the impacts of Covid-19 on African countries and offers ways forward for a green, inclusive and feminist recovery.

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The French “meanwhile” on vaccine equity

Commentary
While nearly 82% of Europeans are fully vaccinated, this is the case for just 11% of Africans. This vaccine gap could overshadow discussions between the heads of state of the two continents at the summit to be held in Brussels on 17 and 18 February between the European Union and the African Union. France, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, has been called upon to act to waive patents on Covid-19 vaccines. Emmanuel Macron is the champion of the “global licence” project.
By Nicolas Kirilowits

Related events

Covid-19 vaccines in Africa

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No one is safe until everyone is safe - Global perspectives on Covid-19 vaccination

Case studies
There is well-founded hope that widespread vaccination against Covid-19 will bring the long-awaited pandemic relief. Much now depends on ensuring rapid and broad access to vaccines globally. Against this background, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung has commissioned a series of short country and regional studies written by authors from the Global South and East. This dossier sheds light on the status of vaccination campaigns in different countries worldwide.

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Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution in South Africa

Study
Health inequality increased sixfold in South Africa under COVID-19, suggesting that the crisis affected the health of the poor far more than the relatively well-off. Race is not a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy, but trusting social media as an information source is positively correlated with vaccine hesitancy. South Africa has pushed hard against opposition to the proposal for a waiver of IP for Covid-19 technologies at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
By Lauren Paremoer and Leslie London

Lauren Paremoer (Peoples Health Movement South Africa) on Covid-19 vaccine distribution

Covid-19 vaccine access - South Africa
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Democratising vaccine and its production: A perspective from India and South Africa

Dossier
The “scandalous inequity” in COVID 19 vaccines exposes acutely and in distinct ways the structural cleavages in our global health system. With the Global North having siphoned much of the available vaccines, the Global South pays heavily with lives and livelihoods. Civil society experts from India and South Africa unpack the waiver proposal and highlight intersecting ways that vaccine power regimes further existing gender and social inequities in developing countries.
By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Regional Office - New Delhi

Multilateralism and Covid-19

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Africa’s free-trade area signals intent for a new kind of relationship with the EU

E-paper
The momentous African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which went into effect on 1 January 2021, demonstrates the continent’s desire to carve its own economic destiny. But as Africa’s biggest trading partner, the European Union’s actions will have a strong impact on the project’s chances of success. The EU’s historical record suggests it would benefit from more serious listening to what its African partners want on trade.
By Dr. Olumide Abimbola

Could South Africa, spurred by Covid-19, drive more equitable global trade norms?

E-paper
Major multilateral institutions have long claimed that their market-oriented trade rules reduce poverty and advance development. Instead, they hold back the developing world from a more human-centric, social-justice approach that it needs to reach its potential. South Africa has the potential to set an example of how a global “middle power” can drive change. The Covid-19 pandemic has provided extra impetus – and a test.
By Arina Muresan and Sanusha Naidu
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Mobilizing resources urgently for climate action: overcoming longstanding challenges and learning from Covid-19

E-paper
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that countries can marshal significant resources quickly and at scale in an emergency. The climate crisis requires no less. Only when longstanding issues of climate finance are resolved, can the international system ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable people, communities, and countries can make the necessary changes the whole world needs.
By Mohamed Adow

Covid-19 impacts in African countries

Feminist views on Africa and Covid-19

Covid-19 and Africa's green transformation

Tech and Covid-19 in Africa

Contact

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