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From COVID-19 Pandemic Pivot to Progress: Blended Work as a Pathway to Greener African Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Gad Iradukunda

    (Department of Research, Repolicy Research Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7584, Rwanda
    AROSE Think Tank, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Arnaud Iradukunda

    (Department of Research and Innovation, ARNECH Research and Consulting Office, Bujumbura, Burundi)

  • Pierre Gashema

    (Department of Research, Repolicy Research Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7584, Rwanda)

  • Emile Ngabo

    (OAZIS Health, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Jean de Dieu Tuyishime

    (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Institut D’enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri, Ruhengeri P.O. Box 155, Rwanda)

  • Tumusime Musafiri

    (Partners In Health-Inshuti Mu Buzima, Kigali P.O. Box 3432, Rwanda)

  • Thérèse Umuhoza

    (AROSE Think Tank, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Ulysse Uwayo

    (Department of Science of Global Health Delivery, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Kigali P.O. Box 6955, Rwanda)

  • Enos Moyo

    (University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Richard Habimana

    (School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda)

  • Claude Mambo Muvunyi

    (Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda)

  • Tafadzwa Dzinamarira

    (University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disrupted work and life patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Africa faces disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. This commentary explores the benefits of blended work models (remote and in-office work) and the readiness of African cities to adopt them. Notably, the shift to working from home (WFH) during the pandemic improved individual well-being and reduced office energy consumption and commuting-related emissions. Robust digital infrastructure and organizational and sustainable policies are essential to fully leverage blended work for urban sustainability. The unexpected opportunities that arose during the pandemic could help African cities address climate change through careful planning and investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Gad Iradukunda & Arnaud Iradukunda & Pierre Gashema & Emile Ngabo & Jean de Dieu Tuyishime & Tumusime Musafiri & Thérèse Umuhoza & Ulysse Uwayo & Enos Moyo & Richard Habimana & Claude Mambo Mu, 2025. "From COVID-19 Pandemic Pivot to Progress: Blended Work as a Pathway to Greener African Cities," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:16:y:2025:i:1:p:10-:d:1585359
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