Africa in the Global Economy: Prospects, Challenges, and COVID-19 Impact (2018–2022)

Abstract: Africa possesses abundant natural resources and a youthful population juxtaposed against persistent poverty, weak institutions, and low global competitiveness (African Development Bank, 2022; World Bank, 2023). This study investigates Africa’s global economic prospects by examining GDP, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade flows, and the impact of COVID-19 across four Sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal) during 2018–2022. Using publicly available data from the World Bank (2023), IMF (2023), and UNCTAD (2022), the study employed descriptive and inferential analyses to test whether governance, legal uncertainty, corruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly explain Africa's business challenges (Transparency International, 2023). The results indicate a significant association between governance factors and Africa's economic challenges while highlighting emerging opportunities post-pandemic (IMF, 2023; World Bank, 2023). The findings suggest that improving governance, infrastructure, and human capital while leveraging AfCFTA can position Africa more favourably in global economic discussions (Songwe, 2020; UNECA, 2021). Keywords: Africa, global economy, COVID-19, FDI, governance, economic prospects, Sub-Saharan Africa. Title: Africa in the Global Economy: Prospects, Challenges, and COVID-19 Impact (2018–2022) Author: Ihejirika, Emmanuel International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 172-184 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 04-July-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15805681 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/africa-in-the-global-economy-prospects-challenges-and-covid-19-impact-20182022