 This study examined the effect of various factors on the decision-making process of African governments during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that medical factors were most influential in determining whether or not a state issued a SOHO, followed closely by external factors such as international pressure. Political factors had little influence on the decision-making process. Additionally, social and economic factors had no significant impact on the decision-making process. This article was authored by Greg Armoury and Joshua Rutland.