In spite of the lack of evidence of rapid spread, African governments have been accused of copying and pasting the strategies used in the global north, creating a double burden of economic and political crisis. It is therefore important to review how African countries are responding to the pandemic, and to reflect on the opportunities and threats that the virus represents for policy and practice. The author argues that unless African countries understand the unique socio-demographic realities of its people, they will lose another historic opportunity to further their development agenda.