The new decade holds new opportunities, but also historical challenges. Currently, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is dominating all news broadcasts. It has become a worldwide phenomenon. Starting in China, it has rapidly spread to the western industrialised countries and now also to developing countries. BMZ counts it among its tasks to mitigate the effects in the African, Asian and Latin American partner countries. Digital solutions offer enormous potential in the fight against COVID-19. They can provide useful information, as these solutions record cases of illness or use movement data to reduce the risk of infection. Once again, however, we observe how closely the blessings of digital transformation are linked to a new surveillance curse. A clear separation of powers in democracy and the protection of personal liberties are necessary and must be further sought after, perhaps even questioned. Merely reacting to polling trends, which were previously generated by one-sided media coverage and social echo chambers, creates a dangerous self-reference. In this issue, we report on these new opportunities and problems associated with digital solutions in the global fight against pathogens such as COVID-19. At the same time, you will learn about news from the BMZ. I wish you an interesting read, Guenter Nooke German Chancellor's Personal Representative for Africa in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
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