COVID-19

As pandemic eases, LDCs face a long road to recovery
The World Bank warned that recovery will be slower in low-income countries, especially small, fragile and conflict-affected states. This is due to lower vaccination rates, tighter fiscal and monetary policies, and more persistent scarring from the pandemic.

What industrialization means for well-being – and why it matters
Originally published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on 17 September 2020

Responsible tourism in Tanzania, recommendations for COVID-19 recovery
How can the country build back better?

Future-proofing safe trade now urgent for developing countries
COVID-19 is highlighting the interconnectedness of agri-food trade; and work needs to be done to mobilise action to build safe food systems

Cooperatives help cross border traders stay in business during COVID-19
Originally published by THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS on 18 August 2020

The clock is ticking on electronic advance data for trade and ecommerce in LDCs
Urgent digital transformation is needed to create safe and secure cross border ecommerce customs clearance in the world’s poorest countries

Ugandan ecommerce platforms power recovery from COVID-19 crisis
Partnerships with development agencies and government efforts to boost the digital economy are helping soften the economic blow of the pandemic.

COVID-19 is exacerbating the global trade finance gap
Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 6 July 2020

Much more than a health crisis: What EIF has learnt from COVID-19
As LDCs grapple with ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19, EIF activities have yielded valuable insights for recovery.

Blockchain and LDC trade during COVID-19
The macroeconomic context for developing country trade in the time of COVID-19

How can least developed countries attract foreign direct investment in the context of COVID-19?
Ways for LDCs to adapt amid global turmoil

Making it faster and easier for South Asian women to take businesses online
Recently launched ecommerce training program and portal will help hundreds of women entrepreneurs in South Asian LDCs become part of regional and global supply chains.

Vanuatu leading Pacific in digitising customs and biosecurity clearance
Country’s online trading system off to a timely start, as COVID’s physical distancing requirements disrupt manual systems

COVID-19 and the seed sector: How countries are navigating challenges
OECD’s Seed Schemes are working to protect food systems globally, with important benefits for least developed countries

Time for Asian partners to work together on a global COVID recovery strategy
Six new objectives for regional policy cooperation

COVID-19 and the global contraction in FDI
Originally published by UNIDO in May 2020

Don’t put export bans on medical supplies during COVID-19. Why trade should flow freely to the world’s poorest countries
Originally published in OECD-Development Matters on 28 April 2020

COVID-19 and tourism in Africa’s protected areas: Impacts and recovery needs
COVID-19 has led to a steep decline in business for operators in protected areas, coupled with a substantial drop in future booking requests.

David Laborde: How to help LDCs stay food secure through COVID-19
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFRPRI) Senior Research Fellow discusses the challenges and opportunities for food security in least developed countries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Online discussion: Tourism & COVID-19
Tourism is the backbone of many developing world economies, and the sector is being drastically affected by COVID-19. How can countries weather and recover this crisis? What lessons can we take from the past?

Fragile countries call for cooperation in battle against COVID-19
Pandemic response highlights resilience of already-fragile countries

Tourism and COVID-19: An opportunity to rebuild better
Halting of travel devastating sector that is a key driver of growth in the world’s poorest countries

Least developed country vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19
The world is changing, and so should our support to the world’s poorest countries

When it rains it pours: COVID-19 exacerbates poverty risks in the poorest countries
Originally published by UNCTAD on 7 May 2020

Online discussion: LDC graduation & COVID-19
Only 5 countries have graduated from LDC status since the category was established in 1971. 12 are set to potentially graduate in the coming years, largely based on economic gains. But with COVID-19 slowing economies and trade, is LDC graduation in peril?

Tanzania, Malawi prepare to reap benefits of digital economy
UNCTAD has assessed the state of play in the two countries and identified policy actions required to harness ecommerce for development.

How does graduation from least developed country status change a nation’s trade prospects?
New report dives into the details of shifting treatment, export markets and more

COVID-19 hitting tourism hard: What does this mean for the world’s poorest countries?
Examining the potential impact of tourism disruption in LDCs; developing policy recommendations to limit the damage, initiate recovery and build resilience

Online discussion: Fragility & conflict
48% of impoverished people today live in fragile and conflict-affected states, and the number is increasing. COVID-19 has the potential to make the situation even worse. What can countries and global institutions do to stem this tide and improve stability?

How poor countries can deal with the economic shock of COVID-19
Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 24 April 2020

In the world’s poorest countries, the move to digitalize trade procedures is needed now more than ever
COVID-19 is highlighting the need for paperless trade in developing countries; a recent assessment offers recommendations for how to start

COVID-19 and trade: Challenges ahead for least developed countries and Small Island Developing States
Originally published by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) on 1 April 2020

How can Africa’s trade ministers help combat COVID-19? Lessons from Ebola
Trade ministers are playing an essential role in the pandemic response

Young designer shaking up Gambia’s fashion industry
Taking traditional African prints and making them modern, a female entrepreneur is aiming to go global – armed with the right business tools

Coronavirus is coming for the world's poor. Here are six ways to help.
Originally published in World Economic Forum Agenda on 23 March 2020

COVID-19 in Africa – some reflections on trade matters
Poverty, inequality and exclusion are key factors contributing to the devastating effects of COVID-19 on all African countries.

COVID-19: Trade restrictions are worst possible response to safeguard food security
Originally published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on 27 March 2020

COVID-19, least developed countries and financial support
What are international institutions pledging in the wake of the pandemic?

Yes, medical gear depends on global supply chains. Here's how to keep them moving.
Originally published by Peterson Institute for International Economics on 27 March 2020

What’s happening with COVID-19 in LDCs?
A compendium of recent news on the global pandemic and what some of the world’s poorest countries are doing

On tariffs, soap and tackling COVID-19
The right trade policies would help the world combat current pandemic