Africa 54 - March 17, 2020

You are watching Africa 54, your daily news and feature magazine-style program, from the Voice of America. Host Esther Githui-Ewart and a team of correspondents zero in on the big stories making news on the continent and around the world with context and analysis. Top Stories: The World Bank commits $60 million Kenya to help the east African nation combat COVID-19. The money is earmarked to improve surveillance, laboratory services, isolation units, supplies and other needed materials, according to the World Bank. Kenya has confirmed three cases of the coronavirus. There are now over 101,000 cases and more than 7,100 deaths linked to COVID-19 across 163 countries and territories. China now accounts for less than 50% of all global cases and deaths. Five countries -- Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Iran each are reporting over 1,000 new cases. South Africa announces strong measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus. President Cyril Ramaphosa has effectively shut down all borders, schools and large gatherings across the country. Family and rights groups of Nigerian journalist Omoyele Sowore call on the government to end delay tactics in court and drop all charges. A54 Business: Social media is revolutionizing the way people do business in Africa. Allowing young entrepreneurs to create labels and brands via the internet. Paul Ndiho reports from Accra, Ghana on a young college student dubbed the Instagram queen. #Coronavirus #Kenya #SouthAfrica #Nigeria #Ghana