Examining the Impact of Export Restrictions During Covid-19 Pandemic on African Countries in the perspective of International Economic Law and Global Health
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Date
2023-12
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Lead City University, Ibadan
Abstract
Prioritizing health can be a catalyst for a broader virtuous cycle of growth, and trade in essential health supplies cannot be overestimated in a time of a global pandemic. The emergence of the novel disease known as Covid-19 caused significant disruptions in the international community, with grievous attendant effects on global health and economic development. The existing framework for international economic policies prior the pandemic was greatly challenged by a sudden trend of trade protectionist measures. Although the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles frown at trade restriction, many members of WTO imposed restrictions on some essential supplies in response to the pandemic.This thesis adopts a qualitative research methodology and is essentially library based. It is noteworthy that while these restrictions may be for the good of the countries using them, this thesis reveals that the restrictions had massive unintended consequences on the health and economies of many other countries. Notably, the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) were greatly impacted. Africa as a continent is home to 33 out of the 46 total world’s LDC and is integrated into the world economy mainly as a buyer. Undoubtedly, the trade protectionist measures, especially export restrictions by Africa’s trading partners exacerbated the impact of the pandemic on the region. This unprecedented situation has shed light on the critical nexus between trade and health in an increasingly interconnected world. This thesis concludes that African’s over-reliance on external market became a disadvantage during the pandemic and hindered Africa’s ability to respond promptly and adequately, especially at the beginning of the pandemic.
Key Words: International Economic Law, Global Health, Trade Policies, Covid-19 Pandemic.
Word Count: 256
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Keywords
International Economic Law, Global Health, Trade Policies, Covid-19 Pandemic.
Citation
Kate Turabia