AGP Executive Report

Trade and Exports: UK changes effective 14 October added Seychelles to a general export licence for certain controlled dual-use technologies. It may simplify authorisation for eligible shipments, but does not cover every item. Digital Infrastructure: Airtel Africa reaffirmed plans to invest in Seychelles’ network and services after discussions on its 5G rollout, affordable home internet and infrastructure sharing. Island Resilience: A study of 28 atoll islands found that restoring native vegetation and seabird populations could help islands adapt to rising seas, underscoring the value of healthy ecosystems to coastal communities. Blue Economy: Seychelles’ first dried sea cucumber shipment to China under zero-tariff terms marks a new export opportunity. Marine Protection: Seychelles joined nine other countries in adopting regional measures to tackle ocean pollution and protect marine habitats.

Island Resilience: Research across atolls in the Indian and Pacific oceans finds that restoring native vegetation and seabird populations can help islands adapt to rising seas — a timely finding for Seychelles’ low-lying communities. Digital Infrastructure: Airtel Africa has reaffirmed plans to invest in Seychelles’ network and services after its 5G rollout, with talks also covering affordable home internet, competition and infrastructure sharing. Fisheries & Trade: Seychelles has shipped its first batch of dried sea cucumber to China under zero-tariff arrangements, opening a new export opportunity for the sector. Construction & Logistics: Local firms are central to the country’s development and trade links: Vijay Construction has delivered major civil and infrastructure projects, while Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and import-export support to strengthen its role as a logistics partner.

Financial Services: Seychelles-based BitMEX faces a £20 million UK lawsuit alleging it offered derivatives without regulatory approval; the exchange shut down in September. The claims have not been tested in court. Digital Connectivity: Airtel Africa says it will continue investing in Seychelles, following its 5G rollout, with talks focused on affordable internet, competition and infrastructure sharing. Blue Economy: Seychelles shipped its first batch of dried sea cucumber to China under a zero-tariff arrangement on October 9, opening a new export channel. Construction & Investment: Vijay Construction’s projects reflect demand for local building capacity, while the national development strategy prioritises green infrastructure and housing. Sustainable construction grew at an 18.4% annual rate from 2020 to 2024.

Digital Infrastructure: Airtel Africa has pledged continued investment in Seychelles, building on its 5G rollout, as talks with Vice-President Sebastien Pillay focused on affordable home internet, competition and infrastructure sharing. Blue Economy: Seychelles has shipped its first batch of dried sea cucumber to China under a zero-tariff arrangement, opening a trade opportunity for the fisheries sector. Construction and Green Investment: Vijay Construction says it is continuing to deliver civil, commercial and infrastructure projects, while the government is prioritising renewable energy, housing and sustainable development. Trade and Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and positioning itself as a trusted logistics partner for the import-oriented island economy. Energy: SEYPEC is pursuing regional partnerships and investment, with renewable energy and protection of the blue economy among its priorities.

Fisheries and Exports: Seychelles has shipped its first batch of dried sea cucumber to China under a zero-tariff arrangement, in a ceremony attended by the Chinese ambassador and the fisheries minister. Agriculture: Farmers have weighed in on a proposed new agriculture agency intended to strengthen food security and address climate pressures, crop diseases and access to farmland. Construction and Investment: Sustainable construction is gaining ground, with the sector recording 18.4% annual growth from 2020 to 2024; government priorities include green infrastructure, housing and renewable energy. Seychelles is also seeking to deepen trade and investment ties with the UAE. Blue Economy: Seychelles joined nine other countries in adopting regional measures to curb ocean pollution and protect marine habitats and coastal livelihoods.

Blue Economy: Seychelles joined nine other countries in adopting 15 measures to tackle Indian Ocean pollution and protect marine life, including a regional plastics strategy and plans for major pollution incidents. Construction & Investment: Vijay Construction says quality, time and price have guided its work since 1979, including major projects such as Eden Island. Sustainable construction is also a growth area, with renewable energy and real estate identified as priorities. Trade & Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and its role in imports and exports, aiming to strengthen its position as a trusted logistics partner. Energy & Partnerships: SEYPEC points to regional partnerships and investment opportunities in renewable energy and the blue economy, while closer Seychelles-UAE ties could support trade and investment. Agriculture: Farmers have shared views on a proposed new agricultural development agency intended to bolster food security amid climate, disease and land-access pressures. Conservation: A new survey estimates nearly 183,000 adult and subadult Aldabra giant tortoises—the world’s largest wild population—but warns climate change threatens their future.

Indian Ocean Environment: Seychelles joined nine other countries in adopting 15 decisions to curb ocean pollution, protect marine life and improve coastal management. Priorities include plastic waste and planning for major marine pollution incidents. Construction and Investment: Vijay Construction, founded in 1979, has delivered civil, commercial and infrastructure projects including Eden Island. Seychelles is also courting UAE investment, with renewable energy, housing and sustainable development identified as growth areas. Tourism: The government is targeting sustainable growth, while green infrastructure is expected to support construction and development. Trade and Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and positioning itself as a trusted logistics partner for imports and exports. SEYPEC is also seeking regional partnerships and investment in the blue economy and renewable energy. Agriculture: A proposed new agency aims to strengthen food security amid climate pressures, crop diseases and limited access to farmland; farmers across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue have shared their views on the plan. Nature and Conservation: A new survey estimates about 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises in Seychelles, offering an updated picture of the species’ population and its role in the atoll’s ecosystem.

Cruise Tourism: African ports are competing for passenger spending ashore as cruise numbers grow; Cape Town’s rising arrivals and reported R4.34 billion contribution to Western Cape GDP offer a regional benchmark. Agriculture: A proposed new agency aims to strengthen food security amid climate change, crop disease and pressure on farmland; farmers from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue shared their views on the plan. Construction & Green Growth: Vijay Construction, founded in 1979, has delivered civil, commercial and infrastructure projects including Eden Island. National priorities include renewable energy, housing and green infrastructure; sustainable construction grew at an annual rate of 18.4% from 2020 to 2024. Trade & Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and positioning itself as a trusted logistics partner for imports and exports. Investment & Energy: SEYPEC points to regional partnerships and opportunities in renewable energy and the blue economy, while stronger UAE ties could support investment across the Seychelles economy.

Investment & Trade: Seychelles is deepening ties with the UAE across renewable energy, education and other sectors, while promoting its location and ocean access as advantages for investors. Construction: Vijay Construction, founded in 1979, has grown into a major local contractor, delivering civil, commercial and infrastructure projects including Eden Island. Agriculture: Farmers have weighed in on a proposed new agency intended to strengthen food security and address climate pressures, crop diseases and limited access to farmland. Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is focusing on e-commerce and trade logistics to support its long-term financial stability. Energy & Blue Economy: SEYPEC sees regional partnerships and fresh investment as opportunities to advance renewable energy and protect the country’s marine resources. Sustainable Growth: The national development strategy prioritises green infrastructure, housing and sustainable development, with renewable energy and real estate identified as growth sectors.

Construction: Vijay Construction, founded in 1979, has grown into a major local contractor, with projects including Eden Island. Green infrastructure and housing are also priorities, as sustainable construction recorded 18.4% annual growth from 2020 to 2024. Trade and investment: Seychelles is deepening ties with the UAE, aiming to attract investment and strengthen its role as a gateway between the Gulf and African markets. Energy and blue economy: SEYPEC is seeking regional partnerships and investment in renewable energy while backing innovation and environmental protection. Logistics: Seychelles Postal Services is positioning itself as a trusted trade and e-commerce partner in an import-oriented economy. Agriculture: A proposed new agency aims to boost food security amid climate risks, crop diseases and pressure on farmland. Currency: Seychelles was among seven African economies whose currencies depreciated by more than 5% at their peak in the second quarter, according to the World Bank.

Agriculture: Seychelles is moving to establish a new agricultural development agency to strengthen food security amid climate change, crop diseases and limited access to farmland. Farmers on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue shared their views as the proposal advanced in the National Assembly. Aldabra Conservation: A survey puts the Seychelles’ Aldabra giant tortoise population at about 180,000, up from an earlier estimate of 100,000. Researchers say the stable population plays a major role in shaping the atoll’s ecosystem. Ocean Protection: A study identifies enduring sperm whale habitat off Seychelles and Mauritius, and says protection will need to cover broad areas and adapt as climate change shifts whale distribution. Economic Pressures: The World Bank says the Seychelles rupee was among African currencies to depreciate by more than 5% in the second quarter, as energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty pressured exchange rates; much of the pressure had eased by August.

Agriculture: Farmers on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue were consulted on a proposed new agriculture agency aimed at strengthening food security amid climate change, crop diseases and pressure on farmland. Currency and Costs: The World Bank says the Seychelles rupee was among seven African currencies to depreciate by more than 5% at its worst in Q2, as energy prices and geopolitical tensions drove pressure; much of it had eased by August. Nature and Tourism: A new survey estimates about 180,000 Aldabra giant tortoises live on the atoll, offering an updated picture of a species central to Seychelles’ natural heritage. Marine Protection: Researchers identified long-term sperm whale habitat off Seychelles and Mauritius, and say protection will need to cover large areas and adapt as climate shifts habitats.

Agriculture: Parliament has approved a bill to create a new agency aimed at strengthening food security and tackling climate pressures, crop diseases and limited access to farmland. Farmers from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue were asked for their views. Currency Pressures: Seychelles was among seven of 22 African economies whose currencies fell more than 5% at their worst in the second quarter, amid Middle East conflict and higher energy costs. Much of the pressure had eased by August. Air Links: African airline leaders are pressing governments to set deadlines for implementing the Single African Air Transport Market. Better regional connections could support Seychelles’ tourism and trade, but African carriers remain thinly profitable.

Currency Watch: The World Bank says Seychelles was among seven of 22 monitored African economies whose currencies fell by more than 5% at their Q2 low amid energy-price and dollar pressures. Much of the pressure had eased by August. Investment & Digital Economy: Seychelles’ president and African Union leaders are calling for stronger governance and investment to advance Africa’s digital economy. Tourism Skills: Seychelles will join 11 other countries at a Nairobi hospitality and tourism workforce event, focused on linking education to jobs and entrepreneurship, especially for young people. Workforce: A 2026 salary comparison puts Seychelles’ average monthly take-home pay at $790, third-highest in Africa—a useful benchmark for employers competing for talent. Tourism Appeal: A superyacht travel feature spotlights Seychelles’ remote beaches and nature-led experiences, key draws for premium visitors.

Currency Pressure: Seychelles was among seven African economies whose currencies depreciated by more than 5% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the World Bank; much of the pressure had eased by August. Development Finance: At a regional conference in Mauritius, experts called for stronger African capital markets and greater use of local pension, insurance and sovereign wealth funds to finance infrastructure and businesses. Tourism: A recent superyacht feature showcased Seychelles’ remote islands and coastal scenery, highlighting the experiences that help attract high-value visitors. Digital Economy: President Patrick Herminie joined calls for investment, stronger governance and wider access to technology to turn Africa’s digital ambitions into jobs and trade. Workforce: Seychelles ranked third in Africa for average monthly take-home pay, at an estimated $790, in a 2026 salary comparison.

Investment: African policymakers and investors are urging deeper local capital markets and better use of pension, insurance and sovereign funds to finance development and ease high borrowing costs—a priority for Seychelles’ infrastructure and businesses. Digital Economy: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie joined calls for investment, stronger governance and wider access to technology to turn Africa’s digital ambitions into jobs and trade. Tourism: Seychelles citizens are among the few Africans eligible for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation, a simpler pre-travel process; a superyacht travel feature also spotlights the islands’ appeal to high-end visitors. Workforce: Seychelles ranked third in an African take-home-pay comparison, at an estimated $790 a month, offering a regional benchmark for employers. Blue Economy: A regional marine conference in Tanzania is focusing on investment, conservation and action against illegal fishing—issues central to the Western Indian Ocean’s coastal industries.