Reeya Rakchhandha

Economic Research Officer @The Commonwealth

London, GB

Debt Management:o Modelled the impact of US aid cuts on revenue, deficits and debt trajectories for 50+ countries by simulating multiple aid-cut scenarios using EViews (fiscal risk analysis).o Led econometric modelling (STATA) & literature synthesis for a Commonwealth-wide study on fiscal-reaction functions; identified debt thresholds across SIDS, LDCs and MICs.o Provided economic analysis, forecasts and policy reviews to support Debt Management Team’s advisory work on fiscal sustainability and strategic debt planning.o Leading technical research for Commonwealth Central Bank Governors meetings and Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting.• Climate Finance:o Co-designed a gender-responsive, climate-smart blended finance facility under the SIRF Fund in Antigua & Barbuda, integrating micro-equity, concessional loans and technical assistance to improve MSME access to climate finance. o Co-authored a policy brief on IMF RST access for SIDS and LDCs, highlighting how external debt sustainability constraints limit concessional borrowing; proposed eligibility reforms and financing strategies now under review by 2+ ministries.o Built an econometric model of 185‑countries (1995‑2024), revealing that a 0.1‑point rise in ecosystem vulnerability doubles disaster mortality in Commonwealth Africa, evidence now used to shape the Secretariat’s Loss and Damage Fund policy negotiations.• Trade Policy: Ran HS-6 trade‑elasticity modelling on UK–US exports, showing new U.S. tariffs put £13 billion of sales at risk & identified £5 billion in ready Commonwealth demand for diversion.