New report warns outbreak in DRC could trigger a wider socio-economic crisis, pushing nearly one million people into poverty and disrupting trade, education, and healthcare systems.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has raised alarm over the far-reaching economic fallout of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning it could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion and wipe out tens of thousands of jobs if not contained.

In a report assessing the epidemic’s broader impact, the UN agency said the crisis risks spiralling beyond a public health emergency into a full-blown socio-economic shock that could push an additional 985,000 people into poverty.

UNDP cautioned that the outbreak could significantly disrupt livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities, with women expected to bear the brunt of the economic downturn. Countries most at risk include the DRC and its neighbours—Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

“The Ebola crisis risks eliminating tens of thousands of jobs, disrupting education and health services, and inflicting severe economic losses across African economies,” the report stated.

Beyond the immediate health threat, containment measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and trade disruptions are already taking a toll on local economies—especially within the informal sector, which supports millions across the region.

UNDP Africa Regional Director, Ahunna Eziakonwa, stressed the need for a broader response framework. “Ebola affects livelihoods, education, food security, trade, public finance, and investor confidence. Treating it solely as a health crisis risks overlooking a deeper developmental emergency,” she said.

Even under a best-case scenario where the outbreak is quickly contained in the DRC and Uganda, the economic consequences are expected to remain severe. The report projects that the DRC alone could lose more than $1 billion in real GDP and about 55,000 jobs.

Across Africa, ongoing disruptions to trade, transportation, and consumer activity could shave at least $2.37 billion off the continent’s GDP—even if transmission remains largely under control.

In a worst-case scenario, compounded by global pressures such as the Middle East conflict, job losses could soar to as high as 328,000, further straining fragile economies.

To mitigate the impact, UNDP is urging governments to adopt targeted interventions, including direct cash transfers and consumer subsidies for vulnerable populations. The agency also recommends replacing blanket border closures with targeted health screening measures to keep trade flowing while containing the virus.

Additionally, the report calls for emergency funding mechanisms to sustain essential health services—particularly maternal, reproductive, and child healthcare—alongside the Ebola response.