Prof. Allam Ahmed, founding President of the World Association for Sustainable Development, speaks to COVID-19 Africa Watch about financing the SDGs, human capital, and access to electricity.

Key Takeaways

The following are a few of the main takeaways from COVID-19 Africa Watch’s conversation with Prof. Allam Ahmed, founding President of the World Association for Sustainable Development:

• One of the most severe impacts of COVID-19 may be the hit it will take on human capital. African countries need to be thinking seriously about collaboration (SDG #17) and to prioritize education.
• Donors and investors need to think of Africa through a new lens. Debt relief should be a priority. And support needs to be swift and robust.
• Agriculture should be a priority sector, because agriculture can produce tradable goods quickly.
• Another major challenge is electricity, so the international community and investors must particularly fast-track their support on renewable energies, particularly solar.
• Africa has the resources and talent, but science and technology experts across the continent need to become more strategic and vocal about their work and publications.

The interview was conducted by Ahmed Aboshock, an IFC-Milken Institute Capital Market Scholar from the Central Bank of Sudan. A transcript is available below.