News from African countries

Exports of fruit (apples and pears) by sea to Europe have not so far been affected by COVID-19: the United Kingdom has increased imports of these products from South Africa to 177%. However, schools have been closed, companies have reorganised by developing teleworking, port warehouses are applying new rules, and South African ports have implemented measures to digitise shipping documents. Containment of the population was decreed on 26 March.

There are no more regular flights between Burkina Faso and Europe. The mango industry is currently looking for alternative carriers who could transport the products to Europe, and there have been discussions with Ethiopian Airlines. Exceptional measures entered into force on 26 March, prohibiting large gatherings and ceremonies; large markets, bars and restaurants are closed.

As of 17 March Cameroon entered a state of emergency against COVID-19. Borders have been closed, travel limited, schools closed, groups of people limited to 50, and flow regulated on markets and in certain commercial activities (restaurants and drinking places closed from 6 pm, hotels and accommodation requisitioned). The transport of goods by plane and boat from foreign countries has still been allowed, but animal and fish products from countries affected by the epidemic are banned.

On 20 March it was decreed that only trade with CEMAC countries (Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea) is fully maintained. Despite the announcement on 18 March of the suspension of all commercial passenger flights from foreign countries (Air France and SNB no longer serve Cameroon), only DHL Express (cargo planes) has so far obtained a waiver from Douala. Pineapple producers located in the Yaoundé region have seen their transport costs increase.

The Cameroonian Banana Association (ASSOBACAM) reported that banana exports were 20,962 tonnes as of 31 January 2020, compared to 21,497 tonnes in January 2019. In February 2020 they posted a deficit of 6,532 tonnes. This drop in exports is due to the drop in activities at the company Plantations du Haut Penja (PHP), a local subsidiary of Compagnie fruitière de Marseille. PHP exported only 13,847 tonnes in February 2020, compared to 19,737 tonnes in the same period in 2019.

Côte d’Ivoire has banned all movements between Abidjan and the interior (see RFI, 24 March). A “progressive containment” could be announced depending on the progression of the pandemic. A curfew has been decreed between 9 pm and 5 am. The country closed its land borders on 23 March. The country closed its land borders on 23 March. The governments of the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Senegal have mutually agreed to close their border for 21 days in order to contain the coronavirus. The closure will not affect essential services such as the movement of security personnel, food, medical services, and related items and equipment between the two countries. The Gambia has decided to close its airspace to all flights except medical cargo flights. The country has announced several precautionary measures, including closing all borders, banning public gatherings and closing all schools. European importers have been cancelling bulk orders. Pineapple exports and papayas do not seem to be shipped and alternative outlets are now sought. The Middle East does not appear to be a possible option as this region is also affected by the virus. Conakry Airport has closed. DHL Express apparently continues to serve Conakry, but with small planes reserved for mail and parcel freight – no pineapples can be loaded. The border with Senegal has been closed by the Senegalese Government, which declared a state of emergency on 25 March. The Kenyan horticultural industry is already suffering the consequences of restrictions in destination countries. Direct sales orders have been cut by more than 50%, Dutch flower auctions fell 70%, and prices have fallen significantly due to reduced demand. As a result, all Kenyan farms have drastically reduced export volumes to less than 70%, with a significant number of them completely suspending their exports. With reduced revenues, businesses are unable to meet operating costs. All farms have huge cashflow problems.

Currently, the horticulture sector is losing KSh 350 million a day due to the drastic decline in exports. If the current situation does not improve quickly, businesses may close down, downsize and be unable to meet their financial obligations, especially with regard to servicing loans, taxes, utilities, etc.

The governments of these two countries announced the closure of their borders on 25 March, with only goods trucks allowed to pass through. In Mali, a state of health emergency has been adopted, but legislative elections will still take place on Sunday as planned.

Following voluntary confinement, a curfew was introduced on 23 March (until 2 April). No more Victoria pineapples are reaching Europe.

In Lagos and Abuja, residents are encouraged to stay at home. International flights have been suspended since 24 March.

The President has prohibited all public transport. A state of emergency was decreed on 25 March, as well as the isolation of the capital Kinshasa from the rest of the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.