Africa Regulatory ENSight 2020 | 05

Applies to multiple sectors

EAC Administrative Guidelines to Facilitate Movement of Goods and Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published in April 2020.

The Guidelines provide measures to:

• complement national measures against the COVID-19 pandemic;
• ensure smooth uninterrupted movement of goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic;
• encourage local production of essential products;
• enhance regional awareness on measures instituted against the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the movement of goods and services.

Applies to multiple sectors

EAC COVID-19 Response Plan

Published in April 2020 by the EAC.

The Response Plan is intended to:

• ensure a joint and well-coordinated mechanism to fight COVID-19 in the Region;
• facilitate the movement of goods and services in the region;
• mitigate fundamental impacts of the pandemic on the various vital economic and social sectors of the EAC region, including:
• ensuring sufficient supply of essential food;
• keeping businesses afloat, especially micro, small and medium enterprises;
• maintaining employment;
• adapting and reorienting businesses; and
• promoting and utilising locally made products as much as possible; and
• facilitate a harmonised and coherent implementation of priority activities that will be instrumental in economic recovery in the short-term.

Applies to multiple sectors

Additional Measures Announced by EAC Partner States in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their Implications

Published on 14 May 2020 by the East African Business Council.

The document outlines measures taken by EAC member states, as well as implications thereof, under various areas of intervention including:

• restrictions on Movement of People and cargo between borders;
• security at border points;
• curfews;
• employment creation;
• progressive re-opening of the economy;
• monetary Policy; and
• Post COVID-19 economic recovery plans.

Applies to multiple sectors

Measures in COMESA Member States in Response to COVID-19: 7th edition (consolidated)

Published on 22 May 2020.

The report:

• comprises a list of measures that COMESA member states have put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, which:
• cover trade facilitation and support to businesses, protection of the vulnerable from the impact of the spread of the virus and other relevant measures;
• include the support received from the international community Aid agencies; and
• include a trend line on the number of cases reported.

Applies to multiple sectors

Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the SADC region: Bulletin No. 5

Published in May 2020.

The Bulletin:

• provides an overview of the global, continental and regional overview of the pandemic;
• focuses on measures that several SADC member states have implemented in light of depressed economies;
• provides an analysis of the costs and benefits of lifting lockdown and other COVID-19 preventative measures;
• further highlights the importance of undertaking a risk assessment of each country, including at sub-national level, prior to the lifting of lock down and other measures;
• tracks the socio-economic issues emanating from COVID-19; and
• makes reference to the importance of information and communications technology("ICT"), as a driver for economic growth as well as a facilitator for business continuity in these challenging times.