Responding to COVID-19: Insights from African Firms

Rebecca Namatovu*, Marcus Møller Larsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

21 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic is underscored by its systemic distortion of socioeconomic and political agendas around the world. It has disproportionately affected fragile states, and has exposed economies with inefficient safety nets. In this article, we contend that while the uncertainty occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for many African firms, the situation has also given rise to new entrepreneurial opportunities. We draw on three cases from Africa (one multinational corporation, one start-up, and one informal firm) to outline how the COVID-19 pandemic can also be regarded as a source of entrepreneurship in uncertain times. We conclude by discussing implications for African management practice and research.
Original languageEnglish
JournalAfrica Journal of Management
Volume7
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)104-120
Number of pages17
ISSN2332-2373
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Bibliographical note

Published online: 17 Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Covid-19
  • Uncertainty
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Africa

Cite this