The economic impact of the global pandemic on developing countries is significant and multifaceted. These countries, which typically have a high reliance on agriculture, tourism and exports, are facing unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a deep economic contraction, with negative growth, disrupting many industries. One of the most visible impacts is the decline in foreign investment. Global uncertainty due to the pandemic has made investors divert attention from developing countries. This impacts infrastructure and development projects that are crucial for long-term economic growth. As a result, many countries were forced to postpone or cancel planned projects. In the tourism sector, countries that rely on tourist visits have experienced sharp declines in income. Tourist destinations were impacted by border closures and travel restrictions, resulting in job losses in related sectors, including hotels, restaurants and the transportation sector. This loss of income not only affects the macro economy but also household welfare. Agriculture, which is a pillar of the economy in many developing countries, is also not immune from impacts. Disruptions to the distribution of goods and material supplies led to food shortages and price spikes. In some places, this has led to social instability and protests, as people struggle to meet their basic needs. The health sector is also receiving greater attention. Developing countries have difficulty accessing vaccines and adequate medical care. Limited health facilities make handling the pandemic more difficult, resulting in higher death rates and worsening long-term economic conditions. In addition, many countries are experiencing a surge in public debt. To deal with crises, governments typically increase spending on social and health programs, often pushing debt to unsustainable levels. This pushed some countries into debt crises that hurt their ability to invest in the future. From a labor perspective, layoffs (PHK) have increased sharply, especially in the informal sector that dominates the economies of developing countries. Many workers lost their income and were forced to look for alternative ways to survive. This indicates the need for better social protection programs to reduce negative impacts on society. Overall, the economic impact of the global pandemic on developing countries is not only a reduction in growth rates, but also fundamental changes in social and economic dynamics. This demands greater attention from governments and international institutions to address the challenges faced. Innovation in economic policy, support for affected sectors, and increased access to health services are essential for developing countries to recover from the impact of this pandemic and set a more sustainable growth path.
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