Background
The Regional Multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence (RMCE) is a regional initiative driven by the Government of Mauritius, and developed in consultation with the EU and World Bank as well as regional blocs, namely COMESA, SADC and IOC member states.
Rationale and Purpose
The purpose of the RMCE is to build capacity to formulate and implement regional economic development strategy and policy within the countries of the Region encompassing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the Small States Network
The aim of the RMCE is to create a world class intellectual resource supporting the process of regional economic integration (REI) in African countries and the Small States on a sustained basis. REI is an area of policy that is rapidly gaining in importance as Africa searches for greater integration, as reflected not only in the Continent-wide organizations such as the AU, but in the establishment of a number of Regional Economic Communities. Up to now the topics of REI have been partially and sporadically covered in some Regional Institutions and at National level, but the RMCE will bring the whole body of knowledge and experience together and act as an informational and advisory centre and a catalyst for the building of capacity in this area.