Vision and Purpose

The UNDP Economic Lab for Mauritius and Seychelles is a strategic innovation that aims to address and promote evidence policymaking. In the context of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), where government institutions may be overstretched and thus lack dedicated in-house economic expertise, the Economics Lab concept, a re-imagining of the Accelerator Lab, proposed within the framework of the UNDP Multi-Country Office Country Programme Document, aims to provide high-quality economic analysis, modelling, and systems-thinking capabilities in support of inclusive and evidence-informed public policy across sectors. The objective is to support economic decisions grounded in evidence, aligned with long-term national priorities, and responsive to emerging challenges. 

Vision

The UNDP in Mauritius and Seychelles aims to promote institutionalized evidence-based policy exploration; develop solution-oriented and context-sensitive economic policymaking; and pilot innovative experimentation across governments. The objective is to support strengthened national capability, that is sustainable beyond donor cycles and short-term technical support. 

The Economic Lab will respond to the growing demand for:

• Strategic economic intelligence to support key reforms and investments.
• Integrated SDG-aligned public finance and climate financing strategies.
• Cross-sector coordination in implementing long term visioning and national development strategies.
• Locally anchored capacity that builds long-term resilience in government systems.

At its core, the UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles Economics Lab reflects the development cooperation focused on sustainability and national ownership. The Lab prioritizes capacity development of domestic economic skills and institutional knowledge. It aims to promote sustainable, nationally owned source of economic policy intelligence to support improve evidence-based decision-making speed and consistency.

In a context of declining development assistance, this is a more sovereign, cost-effective, and forward-looking solution for SIDS. In addition to strategies and policies, we aim to help build the next generation of national economists.