COVID-19 Impact Analysis: Assessing African Sectors - Commodity, Service, Manufacturing, and Education using Mixed Model Approach

Abstract

The global onslaught of COVID-19 brought about unforeseen disruptions, significantly imprinting on sectors like essential goods, services, manufacturing, and education. African nations, characterized by theirdistinct socio-economic tapestries, stood at an intriguing juncture—facing both systemic vulnerabilities and demonstrating admirable adaptability. This research delves into the multifaceted impacts experienced by these nations during the global economic turmoil.Our exploration, bolstered by graphical analyses, examines shifts in demand dynamics, particularly contrasting essential and luxury goods. The pandemic inducedphenomena like panic buying, while simultaneously causing economic slowdowns, reshaping consumption patterns. The services sector’s narrative is bifurcated: while traditional services faced setbacks, digitalcounterparts witnessed exponential growth. In manufacturing, disrupted supply chains contrasted with surges in essential goods production. With global trade facing unprecedented challenges, a noticeable tilt towards local alternatives emerges in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This trend signals both adaptability and a potential pivot towards self-reliance amidst escalating living costs. Moreover, the burgeoning influence oftechnology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), proposes a transformative phase for African education, hinting at enhanced accessibility and quality. However, this optimism is tempered by challenges such as infrastructural gaps and the imperative for improved digital literacy.In Conclusion, this paper provides a concise yet encompassing perspective on the economic reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic, centering on the unique experiences and lessons from the African landscape.