Exploring the Path of Autonomous Development: the Development Dilemma and Coping Strategies of Sub-Saharan Africa in the Post-epidemic Era

Abstract

Based on the multidisciplinary research perspectives of economics, politics, and international relations, this paper starts with the analysis of the main characteristics of sub-Saharan African countries, analyzes their economic development difficulties and new challenges in the post-epidemic era, discusses the necessity for sub-Saharan African countries to explore the path of autonomous development at the level of economic structural reform and development model, and proposes coping strategies. Sub-Saharan African countries should seize the opportunity to accelerate economic restructuring under the favorable situation of the formal launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); take measures to develop agriculture and food production, manufacturing, digital economy, and the AfCFTA construction; and actively cooperate with China and other emerging countries to enhance their capacity for independent development.