The two countries lead the continent with the most number of reported infections of the coronavirus, accounting for over 22 000 cases between them, out of nearly 74,000 for the entire continent.

South Africa recorded its highest daily jump of 724 on Wednesday, taking its tally so far to 12,074, while in Egypt 10,431 people have been infected with the virus, according to the latest official data.

Egypt has the continent's highest number of Covid-19 related deaths at 556, while 219 people have died in South Africa.

The two presidents discussed the need for continued joint efforts to curb the spread of the virus on the continent and contain its economic and social impact on individual countries.

They also agreed to provide medical assistance, mainly through taking advantage of resources such as the fund that has been established to support African states.

In a national address on Wednesday evening, Ramaphosa admitted to some inefficiencies in his government's response to the Covid-19 outbreak, acknowledging that some measures relating to a lockdown imposed since March 27 to contain the virus had not been clearly explained to citizens.

The Egyptian government also faces mounting public pressure to redress its Covid-19 response, with many, including the president of the country’s Medical Syndicate, calling for a full lockdown., according to English-language news website Egyptian Streets.

According to Egypt Today, during the call with Ramaphosa, El-Sisi stressed that counter-terrorism efforts in the continent should continue even as it grappled with the coronavirus.

African News Agency (ANA)