What if Africa stops receiving foreign aid? : the risk of reversing development gains in a Covid-19 world

Abstract

With nearly 60 million Africans at risk of falling into poverty, Covid-19-induced shocks have demonstrated the need to in-vest in long-term, sustainable development and resilience, even when this may not fit in with short-term political objectives and domestic priorities. Unless urgently addressed, declining investments and creeping donor fatigue will have cumulative negative consequences for African countries. Exacerbated fragility and instability risks reversing development gains achieved in the last 30 years, specifically in the areas of health, education and sanitation which are crucial for Africa’s future development. Strengthening Africa-EU relations through building strong partnerships with governments, business and civil society is essential for Africa’s long-term development and stability. This requires a new model of development cooperation that brings together Africa’s major development partners to work towards reinforced multilateral and cooperative solutions.