All Countries and All Sectors

The role that many sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in national economic policy has changed dramatically as a result of the pandemic, giving rise to questions about their future.

While Islamic banks emerged relatively unscathed from the 2008 global financial crisis, Covid-19 is having a deeper impact. Nevertheless, the disruption could provide opportunities to diversify the sector and accelerate its expansion once the pandemic subsides.

Dealerships are looking to pre-owned vehicles to shore up automotive industry turnover during the Covid-19 pandemic, with used personal cars outperforming new unit sales in a variety of emerging and developed markets. 

The outbreak of Covid-19 all but halted global medical tourism, as institutions cut non-essential services and patients stayed at home due to travel restrictions and social-distancing guidelines. However, with flight bans being lifted and many countries tentatively re-opening, there are early examples of how the medical tourism segment might position itself for a rebound.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated existing food security issues in Africa and given rise to some new challenges. With an economic downturn under way, efforts to combat hunger are being accelerated. While short-term measures are part of the solution, the crisis has also made a powerful case for long-term change.