What is shaping the coronavirus pandemic in Africa?

CONTEXT: The low prevalence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Africa has puzzled many experts. Some have attributed the low prevalence to the continent's inadequate testing capacity, whereas others have suggested other less substantiated evidence such as the preponderance of active global tuberculosis vaccination policies in African countries. Regardless of the true prevalence of COVID-19 in Africa, the pandemic is expected to exhibit a different pattern in Africa compared to other parts of the world because of the continent's peculiarities. AIM: In this article, we discuss the major factors that are currently shaping the pattern and prevalence of the outbreak in Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this assessment, Africa will face an uphill battle against the COVID-19 pandemic with significant long-term effects.