Virus disruptions start to hit Africa, all eyes on SONA

While Africa has – so far – not reported any cases of the new coronavirus, evidence is building that shutdowns in China are causing economic disruptions for the region. Kenya’s locust infestation will probably lead to widespread suffering in the country’s north, but we think that the economic costs are likely to be small. Attention next week will focus on a key speech by the South African president, who will set out plans to rescue failing state-owned firms.