AGP Executive Report

Energy Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz tensions could push oil prices up sharply, adding about US$20.4bn a year to the import bills of the world’s most vulnerable economies—hitting least developed countries and small island states hardest. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledges US$1bn to expand trade finance across Africa, including letters of credit and guarantees, aiming to strengthen regional value chains under AfCFTA. Aviation Infrastructure & Standards: A Seychelles-hosted regional workshop under ICAO brings together 12 African countries to align on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), supporting safer, more efficient runway assessments for growing air traffic. Seychelles Tourism Talent: Seychelles Tourism Academy marks the Day of Slavic Writing with a Russian-language showcase, highlighting demand for language skills in the service sector. Crypto Market Access: BitMEX expands fiat on/off-ramps via Banxa, while MEXC touts new perpetual listings and TradingView integration—signals of how digital finance keeps pushing into mainstream trading workflows. Cyber Security Alert: Dutch authorities disrupt a major botnet operation that infected 17m+ devices, underlining ongoing risks for internet-connected systems.

Seychelles–Japan Diplomacy: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI met Seychelles’ Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, H.E. Wallace Cosgrow, during a Seychelles visit to Japan, signalling continued cooperation on fisheries and the blue economy. Regional Aviation Standards: Seychelles joined a SADC/ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating and Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), aimed at harmonising runway and apron assessment standards to support safer, more efficient air connectivity. Maritime Security & Trade Risk: A fresh look at the Red Sea and Suez disruption risk highlights how shipping route threats can quickly raise costs and strain export markets for island economies like Seychelles. Crypto & Trading Industry: Whale.io launched “The Whale Printer” staking for $WHALE with fixed lock periods and high APYs, while Seychelles-based ZOOMEX rolled out a World Cup prediction campaign tied to a $300,000 prize pool. Defence Industry & Regional Links: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multination exercise in Meghalaya wrapped with Seychelles among 13 participating nations, alongside a defence equipment showcase featuring drones, counter-drone tech and secure communications. Energy Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz tensions could push oil prices higher, hitting small island developing states through fuel import bills and inflation pressure.

Aviation & Trade: Seychelles was among 12 African countries at an ICAO regional workshop in Eswatini on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), aimed at keeping runways and aprons fit for growing air traffic and smoother regional connectivity. Energy Security: UNCTAD warned that a Strait of Hormuz disruption could hit import-dependent economies hardest, with 983 million people in 75 vulnerable states facing higher living costs as oil prices spike. Local Tourism & Governance: Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with Vesna Rakić taking over as CEO, signaling a fresh push for island tourism strategy. Defence & Regional Industry: India’s multination PRAGATI 2026 exercise in Meghalaya wrapped up with counter-terror drills and a defence equipment showcase featuring 52 Indian firms, including drones, secure communications and AI-enabled systems—an export-facing boost for Indian industry. Climate Adaptation: A Seychelles-relevant heat adaptation theme emerged from Africa-wide findings showing painted roofs can cool homes by 3–4°C and improve sleep during heatwaves. Crypto & Markets (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles-based ZOOMEX launched a World Cup prediction campaign with a $300,000 prize pool, while Bitget promoted tokenization of real-world assets through its licensed “Reality” platform.

Seychelles in the spotlight: Seychelles’ tourism pipeline got a boost as the Seychelles Tourism Academy marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in Victoria, with students performing Russian songs and skits—an effort linked to growing demand for language skills in the service sector. Regional defence & industry links: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise wrapped in Meghalaya with 400+ troops from 13 Indian Ocean nations, including Seychelles, training on counter-terrorism and interoperability—while an indigenous defence equipment display showcased drones, counter-drone tech, surveillance, secure communications and AI-enabled systems. Energy cost pressure: UNCTAD warned that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could hit 983 million people in vulnerable economies, with oil-import bills rising sharply and forcing tough trade-offs for small island states. Seychelles economy ranking: Seychelles topped Africa in the 2026 Prosperity Index, scoring 77.4 and ranking 39th globally, driven by tourism-linked living standards plus healthcare, education and environmental performance. Blue economy finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance plans its first “blue bond” to fund maritime and coastal infrastructure, a model that could interest island economies watching sustainable ocean investment.

Energy Shock for Vulnerable Economies: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up oil prices, raising costs for 983 million people in 75 vulnerable economies, including many small island states that rely on imported fuel. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A new Prosperity Index ranks Seychelles Africa’s most prosperous in 2026, citing strong healthcare, education, and environmental performance alongside tourism-driven income stability. Tourism & Skills: Seychelles Tourism Academy hosted a Day of Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria, with students performing in Russian—highlighting demand for language skills in the service sector. Regional Defence Cooperation: The Indian Ocean-focused PRAGATI 2026 military exercise concluded in Meghalaya with 400+ troops from 13 nations, including Seychelles, training on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance plans its first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure—an approach that could interest island economies like Seychelles. Crypto & Trading Launches (Seychelles-based firms): Seychelles-based Zoomex launched a World Cup prediction campaign with a $300,000 prize pool, while TokenInsight’s report highlighted MEXC’s top liquidity performance in silver futures.

Seychelles Tourism: Seychelles Tourism Academy marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in Victoria, with local students performing Russian songs and a short scene, and highlighting growing interest in Russian for the service sector. Crypto Markets: Seychelles-based TokenInsight says MEXC leads globally in SILVER(XAG) Futures liquidity, topping slippage and bid-ask spread metrics, while also ranking strongly in ETH Futures. Trading Platforms: KuCoin Web3 Wallet is expanding into crypto + TradFi perpetual markets via Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 upgrade, aiming to bring equities, commodities, indices and FX-linked trading into one self-custody wallet. World Cup Commerce: ZOOMEX launched a “Win a Trip to the World Cup!” campaign in Seychelles, offering a $300,000 prize pool plus travel and matchday hospitality rewards. Defence & Regional Industry: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise in Meghalaya wrapped up with counter-terrorism drills and interoperability training, with Seychelles among the 13 participating nations. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure, with Seychelles noted as an example of prior island blue-bond activity.

Tourism Governance: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO (effective May 15, 2026), with the STB Bill 2026 giving the body a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a sustainable destination and strengthen long-term industry resilience. Climate & Built Environment: A new study highlights how “cool roofs” can cut indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C during peak heat, improving sleep and health outcomes—an approach that matters for island housing resilience. Defence & Regional Security: The PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise concluded in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 countries (including Seychelles) training in counter-terrorism and interoperability drills, alongside a defence equipment showcase aimed at boosting regional cooperation and exports. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation is set to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean- and water-related projects, with Seychelles cited as among island nations that have used similar debt tools. Energy Leadership: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution (from June 1), bringing experience from Cable & Wireless Seychelles into South Africa’s power sector reforms.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, effective May 15, aiming to strengthen tourism governance, international promotion and long-term sector resilience. Maritime Security & Defence: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Micheal Rosette, at the Shangri-La Dialogue to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Regional Military Drills: Multinational exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 nations including Seychelles training in counter-terrorism and interoperability drills. Finance & Shipping: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund maritime and coastal infrastructure, with Seychelles noted as having used similar debt instruments. Environment & Industry Culture: World Environment Day message from Israel’s ambassador to UNEP/UN-Habitat links nature-based solutions to climate action, while Seychelles Tourism Academy hosted a Russian language and culture event tied to the Day of Slavic Writing.

Defence & Industry: India’s maiden multilateral drill PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up at Umroi, Meghalaya, with 400+ troops from 13 Indian Ocean nations training in counter-terrorism and interoperability drills, while India used the sidelines to showcase indigenous defence tech and push defence exports via a business-to-government equipment display. Seychelles in the spotlight: Seychelles’ contingent trained alongside partners, and India also held bilateral defence talks with Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major Gen Micheal Rosette, focused on maritime security. Tourism governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, aiming to strengthen tourism promotion and long-term competitiveness. Maritime finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans its first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure, with Seychelles cited as having used similar debt tools. Energy leadership (regional): South Africa’s Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi (ex-Cable & Wireless Seychelles) to lead distribution from 1 June.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with Vesna Rakic appointed as CEO effective May 15, 2026, as the government moves to strengthen tourism governance and long-term competitiveness under the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026. Indian Ocean Defence: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Micheal Rosette, at the Shangri-La Dialogue to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Regional Military Drills: Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya, with over 400 personnel from 13 countries including Seychelles completing a 72-hour validation focused on counter-terrorism and interoperability in jungle and semi-mountain terrain. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund ocean and coastal infrastructure, with Seychelles noted as an example of island nations using similar debt tools. Cyber & Hosting: A malware campaign using bulletproof hosting infrastructure tied to a Seychelles-linked footprint (OMEGATECH) is reported to have targeted energy, finance and government-linked organisations via malicious email attachments. Energy Trade Shock: The Strait of Hormuz closure is rerouting global jet fuel flows, pushing prices higher and affecting routes that reach markets including the Seychelles.

Seychelles Tourism Governance: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, with the STB Bill 2026 giving the body a renewed mandate to market Seychelles and support long-term tourism competitiveness. Indian Ocean Security: At the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces Major General Micheal Rosette to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Seychelles-Linked Telecom Talent in Energy: South Africa’s Eskom appointed telecom veteran Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution from 1 June 2026; Munshi previously served as chief commercial officer at Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation is set to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund maritime and coastal infrastructure, with Seychelles noted as among island nations that have used similar debt instruments. Climate & Food Pressure: A new report highlights how record heat and climate damage are colliding with rising sovereign debt and nature loss, tightening the fiscal space for climate and food resilience—an issue especially relevant to small island states like Seychelles. Digital Threats: Cyber reporting says hackers are using Seychelles-linked bulletproof hosting providers to run large-scale JavaScript malware and malspam aimed at energy and finance targets, underscoring ongoing risks for regional businesses.

Tourism Governance Reset: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen governance, destination marketing and long-term competitiveness under the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026. Blue Economy & Marine Policy: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented its final 2022 Indian Ocean mission report, delivering 25 recommendations on marine ecosystem preservation, fisheries management, human pressures and regional cooperation across waters shared with Seychelles. Agriculture & Food Security: A new look at the future of Seychelles agriculture highlights the pressure of food and nutrition security, climate change and rising import costs, pushing “smart farming” as small-island solutions face big constraints. Maritime Finance: India’s Sagarmala Finance Corporation is set to issue the country’s first “blue bond” to fund maritime and coastal infrastructure, echoing how island states like Seychelles have used similar debt tools. Cyber & Business Email Risk: Reports warn of a JavaScript malware operation using bulletproof hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to power large-scale malspam and business email compromise, with Seychelles-linked infrastructure flagged. Energy Sector Leadership: Eskom appointed Junaid Munshi as group executive for distribution from 1 June 2026, with his prior experience including Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Regional Humanitarian Coordination: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform in Mahé, Seychelles, to improve crisis response and close a major funding gap.

Tourism Governance Reset: Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen destination marketing and competitiveness after five years under a centralized tourism framework. Blue Economy & Marine Policy: Monaco Blue Initiative’s Explorations de Monaco presented its final 2022 Indian Ocean mission report in Seychelles, delivering 25 recommendations on marine ecosystem protection, sustainable fisheries, tackling human pressures, and boosting regional cooperation. Agriculture & Food Security: A new Seychelles-focused look at agriculture highlights how import dependence, climate change, and global shocks are pushing the country toward smarter, small-island farming solutions. Humanitarian Coordination in Africa: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform at Mahé to improve crisis response across displacement, hunger, conflict and climate-linked disasters, alongside a 2026–2027 implementation plan. Cybersecurity Watch: Analysts report hackers using bulletproof hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware and malspam campaigns targeting energy and finance-linked organisations. Aviation Fuel Shock: Reuters reports the Strait of Hormuz closure is rerouting jet fuel flows globally, sending prices higher and affecting routes that reach markets including Seychelles.

Tourism Governance Reset: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen destination marketing and competitiveness after five years under a centralized tourism framework. Marine Policy & Cooperation: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented its 2022 Indian Ocean mission final report, delivering 25 recommendations for marine governance across Seychelles, Mauritius and the Saya de Malha Bank, focusing on ecosystem protection, sustainable fisheries, and regional cooperation. Blue Economy Focus: A new African Union humanitarian coordination platform was launched in Mahé to improve crisis response across the continent, while separate regional blue-economy discussions in Zanzibar highlighted ocean governance, fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, and blue-economy financing. Security & Trade Disruption: The Strait of Hormuz closure is forcing costly jet fuel rerouting and raising pressure on aviation and tourism economics, even as some airlines cut fares to protect demand. Cyber Threats: Hackers are abusing hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware infrastructure used for large-scale malspam and business email compromise. Regional Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from 1 January 2027, joining a growing list including Seychelles and others.

Humanitarian Coordination: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform in Mahé, Seychelles, aiming to tighten crisis response across displacement, hunger, conflict and climate-linked disasters, alongside a 2026–2027 implementation plan to move commitments into action. Tourism Leadership: Seychelles appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, tasking her with strengthening global positioning and boosting sustainable tourism competitiveness. Biodiversity & Water Security: Seychelles marked International Biodiversity Week with an MoU to restore wetlands and protect the Baie Lazare watershed, reinforcing long-term support under the Ridge to Reef project. Indian Ocean Security: Canberra is urged to watch the Colombo Security Conclave as it moves toward institutionalisation with a permanent secretariat in Colombo, including Seychelles among the littoral states. Blue Economy: Zanzibar opened a blue economy research workshop focused on inclusive, sustainable marine and coastal development, with Seychelles highlighted as a reference case. Tuna Management: The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission eased yellowfin tuna curbs after improved stock assessments, while also updating swordfish rules and bycatch handling guidelines.

Seychelles Tourism & Aviation Leadership: The Office of the President appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board (effective May 15) and confirmed new Air Seychelles board leadership, aiming to strengthen Seychelles’ global tourism positioning and aviation connectivity. Blue Economy & Biodiversity: Seychelles marked Biodiversity Week with a new pact to restore wetlands and protect watershed areas in Baie Lazare and Bougainville, building on the Ridge to Reef project. Indian Ocean Connectivity & Security: A report says Australia’s 2026 defence strategy puts India at the centre of Northeast Indian Ocean security, while coverage also highlights plans to upgrade the Colombo Security Conclave into a more institutional regional security organisation including Seychelles. Regional Trade Facilitation: Republic of the Congo joined a growing list of African states moving toward visa-free entry for fellow Africans, aligning with AfCFTA goals. Tuna Industry Oversight: The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission eased yellowfin fishing curbs after improved stock assessments, while tightening rules for bycatch handling and swordfish catch limits. Tourism Shockwatch: Europe’s airlines are publicly reassuring travellers amid the Hormuz crisis, but analysts warn of fuel, rerouting, and supply-chain impacts that could feed into tourism costs.