This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage Sub-Saharan Africa, a recent survey by GeoPoll has revealed the devastating impact on the region's workforce. Conducted between June and July 2020, the survey of 2,500 respondents found that 60% of those employed prior to the pandemic have been unable to work as a result of the outbreak.
Of those polled, nearly half (47%) were unsure if they would have jobs to return to once the pandemic subsides. The survey also found that an even larger proportion, four out of five respondents, reported a decrease in income during the pandemic.
Those in informal jobs, particularly in trade and agriculture, were hit the hardest, with 88% of informal sector workers reporting reduced earnings. The International Labour Organisation estimates that the informal sector accounts for over 80% of the workforce in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Roxana Elliott, VP Marketing & Content at GeoPoll, 'The closure of borders, restrictions on movements, and suspended education and hospitality sectors has wrought financial havoc across the African nations studied, with those in informal employment being hardest hit.'
Despite the lifting of restrictions, the damage is unlikely to be quickly repaired, with only 57% of previously employed individuals saying they still have work to return to. Moreover, just 6% of respondents reported having sufficient funds to cover their household expenses for more than five months.
Altogether, 30% of respondents said they would be covering most of their expenses next month through borrowing, and 28% by using savings. The survey also found that almost half of all respondents have taken an extra loan to help cover household expenses.
As Roxana noted, 'With many sub-Saharan Africans still excluded from borrowing, the impact of the pandemic on income and employment, which has hit the lowest income earners the hardest, will make paying for basic expenses such as food and rent a challenge for millions over the coming months.'
