Since the novel coronavirus was first identified in the People’s Republic of China in December 2019, the virus has spread rapidly around the world. Although the official infection and death figures on the African continent are currently still comparatively low, the discussion about the extent and significance of the epidemic for African countries has intensified in recent weeks.

We have used the occasion for a special press review focusing on Covid-19 in Africa. This issue provides an overview of the following theme: how the topic of coronavirus, its importance for Africa and Africa’s relations with the global North are discussed on the African continent.