One of the significant long-term consequences of COVID-19 on countries in the Global South is that "In the Global South, countries' growth rates will be lower than those of countries in the Global North."
The pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in the Global South, where healthcare systems, economic infrastructure, and social safety nets are often weaker compared to those in the Global North. The immediate impact of COVID-19 led to substantial economic downturns, job losses, and disruptions in education, which are likely to have persistent effects on economic growth and development.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, countries in the Global South may struggle to recover and grow at a pace comparable to their Global North counterparts. Factors such as reduced foreign investment, diminished tourism revenue, and ongoing public health challenges could hinder their recovery efforts. Additionally, the exacerbation of inequality and limited access to vaccines during the pandemic may impact productivity and human capital development, further slowing growth rates.
Overall, the long-term economic consequences of COVID-19 may create a widening gap between the growth trajectories of countries in the Global South and those in the Global North, potentially entrenching existing inequalities on a global scale.