The continent continues to have a rising number of COVID cases, touching 1,195,297 as of 25^th August, with a death toll of 27,984. Experts have warned that the fragile healthcare systems in many African countries could be overwhelmed in the face of the pandemic. Although considering the poor health, education and standard of living of Sub-Saharan African countries (South, South-East and South-West regions), the implementation of COVID-19 measures such as physical distancing would have been unlikely. This, despite the fact that the African continent was amongst the last to get hit by the coronavirus. Africa has a wide diversity of cultures, ethnicity, languages, and socio-economic environment. A one-size-fits-all approach to tackling the pandemic would not have worked throughout the continent.

According to Open Doors annual data 2019, the Sub-Saharan Africa region has the highest number of students studying abroad. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa are the major markets for foreign institutions.

It has been observed that to come to par with other countries in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, African countries must overhaul their education systems and skills development since its young population will prove to be one of its important assets. In order to build digital infrastructure, economic growth needs to be more inclusive. African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched “Coding for Employment” as part of its Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy to provide digital skills to the next generation. Further, AfDB is participating in research on how to make African Education Systems more capable and responsive.

News from NORTH AFRICA

Algeria – The country is one week away from initiating an EU Free Trade Agreement that many fear could hurt their fledgling economy. The trade deal is facing renewed scrutiny from businesses and politicians. The country is heavily dependent on oil-based exports, and has suffered from the pandemic that reduced oil prices significantly. World Bank has downgraded Algeria to a lower-middle-income country, one of only three countries moved to the lower income category in 2020.

Egypt – The total COVID-19 cases increased to 97,478 this week, while recoveries pass 66,000. Egypt has moved towards a gradual reopening of its economy since late June; banks will resume normal working hours starting 1 September. The United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan are expanding their strategic partnership to support Egypt’s inclusive and multi-sectoral crisis management, and to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.

Morocco – Morocco registered 903 new coronavirus cases, increasing the tally to 54,528 with a death toll of 920. The country is adopting a remote education system for the academic year 2020-21 with flexible formulas. Students from Morocco are particularly interested in European and American universities for study abroad options. Top countries to which students apply are France, Ukraine and Belgium.

Tunisia – Tunisia now has 2,893 cases. According to a recent study, the economy is expected to shrink by 4.3% this year, and the unemployment rate in Tunisia is set to increase to 21.6%

News from EAST AFRICA

Kenya – As per Index 2019, Kenya was among the top five African performers in the UNCTAD B2C e-commerce. Amidst COVID-19, digital platforms have given a lifeline to Kenya’s creative industry. Universities will continue to conduct virtual teaching and learning, and host online graduations for students who have successfully completed their programs. The country’s total number of confirmed cases stand at 32,803 with fatalities at 559. Based on this worrying trend, basic education institutions will now reopen only in January 2021, meaning learners will lose a full year.

Mauritius – The total number of cases in Mauritius were recorded at 346 with 10 deaths. A COVID-19 lab is being set up at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport, for PCR testing of all incoming travellers and to increase their testing capacity.

News from WEST AFRICA

Ghana – Ghana ranks third in the African continent, behind South Africa and Nigeria, in the total number of cumulative cases in the continent- at 43,622 currently. After a 3-week lockdown, the Government began a phased approach to normalise things in the country. The Government has said that Ghana’s borders will remain closed until airport medical authorities are able to test all arriving passengers. Ghana Education Services (GES) has developed a new and modern standard-based curriculum which has been designed taking into account the difficulty in these times and the importance of quality education.

Nigeria – The total COVID-19 case count is 52,548 as of now. As the pressure on the federal government continues to grow, students are being assured that universities will reopen soon across the nation. Details of NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship 2020 scheme has been released for the new academic year. Africa’s largest economy contracted by 6% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to last year. It may shrink by up to 8.9%this year. However, the lockdown relaxation and gradual pick-up of oil prices could ease the pace of economic contraction in the coming quarters.

Cameroon – Cameroon has 18,973 cases, with 410 deaths and zero recoveries. The Government has apparently spent over 21.9 billion francs in its response to the pandemic, in the construction of isolation units, finance communication campaigns, and in drugs for the management of patients.

News from SOUTHERN AFRICA

South Africa – The economy is expected to contract by 7.2% in the 2020 fiscal year, and as many as 7 million jobs may be lost. The country has registered over 609,773 cases and 13,059 deaths. Until the recent COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa had been hosting an increasing number of international students and had established itself as a regional higher education hub. The teacher’s union is expressing concerns as millions of students return to schools that are under prepared to deal with this influx.

Zambia – The cumulative number of cases in the country stands at 11,148 with 280 deaths. National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has declared 2020 as a dead year for non-examination grades and requested the Ministry of General Education (MoGE) to allow learners to progress to higher grades in January 2021. School holidays were reduced to two weeks to cover up the time wasted during lockdowns

WWEC Initiatives

28 Aug: Maple Assist is hosting a webinar for International Students with an Official from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) this Friday. The webinar will cover up-to-date information about COVID-19 and its impact on the International Student Experience vis-a-via Study Permits and processing times, AIP (Approval in Principle), travel restrictions and exemptions for Canada, and other latest updates.

OUR RESOURCES Worldwide EduConnect International Recruitment Solutions: https://worldeduconnect.com/ WWEC LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/worldwide-educonnect Maple Assist Blog: https://www.mapleassist.com/blogs/ Maple Assist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXFhQ5_uIF4cQLidiOO_m-Q Scotiabank Resource Centre for Newcomers to Canada: https://startright.scotiabank.com/covid-19-resources.html