Africa’s COVID-19 case counts crossed 380,000 this week – with more than 180,000 recoveries and about 9,690 deaths. Growth rate of new cases is on a decline since April and many countries have cautiously eased some of their restrictive measures. However, the pandemic is still in its exponential phase. Nevertheless, many countries have eased lockdown restrictions in a bid to revive the economy. Governments, health authorities, and world health organization are looking for ways to contain the spread, bolster health infrastructure, and facilitate future distribution of vaccines. Countries that have high student mobility rate are also impacted by the Coronavirus crisis – Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Ghana, Senegal and Kenya. Many countries have already started sending children back to school, and others are planning to follow suit in the coming months.

Major Markets

The top major markets by numbers for Canadian institutions are listed below. These countries viz. Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Cameroon, have traditionally registered a high student mobility to Canada. However, in the wake of the pandemic, a shift has been observed in study permit applications between Q1+April, 2019 and Q1+April, 2020. The worst affected country among the top five major markets is Cameroon, followed by Nigeria that is still a prime market for Canada in 2020. Algeria is the only outlier that actually recorded an upward trend in study permit applications during the first four months of 2020.

Source: Through IRCC data

News from NORTH AFRICA

Algeria – Algeria began its phased easing of lockdown restrictions since mid-June. The country’s land, air and sea borders will likely remain closed to most other nations until the end of COVID-19 crisis. However, Algeria is on EU’s proposed list of 14 “safe” countries to which EU may open its borders.

Egypt – Egypt began further easing of restrictions last week to open up the economy. The country may resume international flights and allow foreign tourists to select touristic sites. Thanaweyya Amma (or school leaving) exams are already underway in Egypt.

Morocco – Morocco started a phased easing of restrictive measures and will lift the state of emergency on July 10^th. The country is at present divided into two zones, Zone 1 and 2. Zone 1 (90% of population) has relaxed restrictive measures, allowing residents to travel within the zone, access domestic touristic sites, and use other services. Zone 2 is still under tighter curfew laws. Morocco’s baccalaureate exams are set to begin by July 3^rd.

Tunisia – Tunisia had lifted its nationwide curfew and opened businesses and inter-city/region travel on June 17^th. The country is the first in north Africa to open international borders this week. Baccalaureate exams will be held in two phases, the first phase is scheduled between July 8^th and 15^th, for which results will be announced on July 26^th. The second phase will be held between July 27^th and 30^th and corresponding results will be announced on August 9^th.

News from EAST AFRICA

Kenya – Kenya might remove more restrictions starting July 6^th when the current phase of partial lockdown ends. Domestic flights will be resumed and more businesses might be allowed to open. Most private schools and universities have shifted to remote learning. Schools were slated to open by September, but this has not been confirmed yet. The next academic year’s school exams scheduled for November this year may be merged with April 2021. TVET institutions will reopen in September for in-person lessons and for administration of exams.

Mauritius – Mauritius lifted its lockdown on May 30^th. The country has opened borders for tourism. Schools may reopen in August. However, schools follow different systems, such as British, Australian, French, Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, etc., with differing calendars and exam dates.

DR Congo – Government eased its confinement of key districts in Kinshasa. The capital city accounted for over 6,000 of the 6,827 registered cases of COVID-19. Schools and universities are closed. The country’s borders are closed until further notice.

News from WEST AFRICA

Ghana – Ghana’s borders remain closed while the economy is gradually reopening. Final year students at universities, high schools and junior high schools have resumed in-person classes. Meanwhile, radio is touted as a crucial medium to increase access to education across the west African country. The West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be held in August.

Nigeria – Nigeria relaxed lockdown restrictions on July 1st. The Government has given a green signal to resumption of domestic flights and interstate travel. Final year students at universities, high schools and junior high schools will resume in-person classes soon to prepare for WASSCE graduating exams. Despite a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, another total lockdown is unlikely according to news reports.

Cameroon – Cameroon eased lockdown restrictions last month. Airports were opened for domestic travel despite surge in coronavirus cases. Classes for final year students in junior high schools, high schools and universities were resumed.

News from SOUTHERN AFRICA

South Africa – South Africa eased lockdown restrictions to restart businesses and revive its economy. Schools were resumed last month with major changes to school timetables, only 50% of the enrolled students attend classes at any given time. Senior Certificate and the National Senior Certificate exams will be conducted in November-December 2020 in accordance with the academic calendar.

Zambia – Zambia is expected to further ease lockdown restrictions, according to news reports from the region. Airports will be opened. Final year students were back in schools and universities last month. Universities are set to open for junior students from July 1^st, while remaining school grades will resume after the winter season passes.

WWEC Initiatives

1. The second session of our Instagram Live series with immigration lawyer and CEO of Visto, Josh Schachnow, was convened on June 26^th. The 50-minute interactive virtual gathering was again a great success with over 350 participants and more than 600 registered views on IGTV. We will also be launching a string of Q&A sessions in the coming months on Instagram to answer all immigration related queries from prospective applicants and students.
2. In keeping with our dedicated support for our clients and to give them representation through online mediums and social media, we have invited Brock University for an Instagram Live this week. The University’s international student ambassador will engage with prospective applicants to share her experience at school and provide a close-up on various services and facilities for international students. Catch it on @mapleassistcanada 6.30pm IST/9.00am EST on 3 July
3. These are unprecedented times for both our partner institutions and our young prospective and applied students. The latter are faced with disappointments and anxiety as their well laid out future plans seem to have ­­­gone off-track lately. In an effort to offer mental health support along with educational support to these students, Maple Assist will soon be launching a Wellness Webinar Series in collaboration with psychologists who work with young adults. The counselling sessions are intended to serve as platforms to help students manage stress and plan better for future. Institutions interested in collaborating can get in touch with us by 4 July on anam@mlec.in.

Additional Resources For International Recruitment Solutions visit: https://worldeduconnect.com/ WWEC LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/worldwide-educonnect Maple Assist Blog: https://www.mapleassist.com/blogs/ Scotiabank Resource Centre for Newcomers to Canada: https://startright.scotiabank.com/covid-19-resources.html