ABSTRACT
In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic induced the resurrection of economic nationalism and its nationalistic operational tool, that is, industrial policy? This study addresses this seemingly simple question with reference to Mauritius and Uganda (against the backdrop of resurging industrial policy in the USA and China). The findings suggest that COVID-19 has had unintended industrial policy dividends. No claim is herein made to a clinical cause-effect relationship, given the absence of longitudinal data on COVID-19. What we are dealing with is the contribution of, not the attribution to, COVID-19. The evidence suggests that both Mauritius and Uganda have rediscovered smart industrial policies as instruments of promoting locally manufactured face masks, ventilators, medicines, and other necessities. The overall message is simple. In every crisis lies opportunity.
