The COVID-19 crisis is a dual crisis - public health crisis and a macroeconomic crisis.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are key to the economies of various countries. Their numbers and contribution towards employment is well documented and there is acceptance amongst policy makers that these enterprises are critical for economic development.

The digital economy and e-commerce are developing fast in Africa. The forthcoming implementation of the African free trade area (AfCFTA) will encourage intra-African trade. These two forces combined, offer a new inclusive future for Africa. E-commerce is growing throughout Africa, but is mainly nationally focused at present.

Investment policies make an important contribution in tackling the devastating economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous countries around the globe have taken measures in support of investment or for protecting critical domestic industries in the crisis.

Africa's projected gross domestic product growth of 3.2 per cent for 2020 is now expected to fall further to -0.8 per cent due to prolonged partial and total lockdown of countries brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Estimates presented here were generated using data collected during household visits between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2020. This volume contains statistical profiles of 28 states and union territories.

The global pandemic has led to major structural increases in public expenditure to support health, incomes and employment. The question of who will ultimately foot the bill will need to be answered, but the economic burden must not fall disproportionately on disadvantaged groups and countries.

The COVID-19 crisis has caused untold disruption to lives and economies. As the current patterns of globalization are being questioned, the regional level will become vital in dealing with crossborder problems.

Four years of Effective governance is no mean achievement. Fulfilled promises and futuristic projects are the hall mark of this Government. Near-perfect taming of a global threat like Covid-19 menace is something more than an achievement.

This baseline report was undertaken as part of the impact assessment of the Yield Uganda Investment Fund (YUIF), a EUR 20 million impact fund that provides targeted financing to small and medium agribusinesses (SMAs) in Uganda to help them overcome barriers to accessing capital.