The overall objective of this assignment was to undertake scenario planning on the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic in the SADC region with a focus on the broader economic and social consequences, and thereafter, recommend practical response strategies under the different scenarios.

The purpose of this contract was to undertake a review on COVID -19 effects (direct and secondary) in the SADC region for the selected sectors in order to provide recommendations to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

The assignment covered the entire SADC region but was limited to the most impacted sectors. These sectors were:

(i)           Health, 

(ii)          Trade,

(iii)         Tourism,

(iv)         Food Security,

(v)          Education,

(vi)         Employment, and

(vii)        The Informal Sector.

In addition to the selected sectors, the analysis also covered the impact of the pandemic on macroeconomic stability in the region under the different scenarios, and recommended policy responses. The analysis was based on selected macroeconomic variables (including GDP Growth, Inflation, Budget Deficit, External Debt, Current Account Deficit, External Reserves, Central Bank Credit to Government, and Domestic Savings).