This chapter examines the role of automatic stabilizers in bolstering social protection mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic across Africa. While the continent’s epidemiological trajectory defied initial projections, the socioeconomic ramifications of the crisis have been profound. Our chapter addresses a critical gap in the literature by investigating the effectiveness of automatic stabilizers within the African context, characterized by diverse economic structures and varying degrees of fiscal capacity. Through a comprehensive analysis of policy responses and social outcomes across multiple African nations, we examine the dynamic efficiency of these stabilizers in moderating cyclical fluctuations. Our findings reveal significant heterogeneity in the implementation and effectiveness of automatic stabilizers, contingent upon pre-existing social protection frameworks and fiscal space. This chapter contributes valuable insights to the discourse on crisis management and social protection in Africa, offering implications for policymakers seeking to enhance the resilience of their economies against future exogenous shocks.