The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted normal living in most parts of the world.
Many industries have had to shut down temporarily as governments battle to curb further spread of the disease.
Among the most affected industries are health, education, entrepreneurship, tourism, transport, among many others.
In Zimbabwe, the COVID-19 pandemic put more strain on an already faltering economy, painting a grim picture for the country’s entrepreneurs.
About 25% of jobs in the formal sector could be lost due to the contraction caused by COVID-19, according to a projection by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, seen by AP.
The country’s economy is likely to decline by more than 10% this year, considerably more than the 3.2% contraction projected for the entire sub-Saharan Africa economy, according to the International Monetary Fund.
To cope with the tough times, some Zimbabweans have resorted to running makeshift stores.
Car owners have turned their vehicles into roadside shops, selling basic goods to earn a living for themselves and their families.
With their car doors and trunks wide open by the side of busy roads, eager sellers display a colorful array of goods in Harare, the capital city.
From sugar to vegetables, the motorists sell almost everything despite not being licensed to run such businesses.
As analysts project an approaching peak in Africa’s COVDI-19 cases, Zimbabweans may be forced to continue seeking other means to cope.
Zimbabwe has reported 1,089 COVID-19 infections and 20 cases, according to data from the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.
