AGP Executive Report

Tourism Policy Shift: Seychelles Ambassador-at-Large Alain St.Ange urged the tourism industry to measure success by real community value, not just visitor numbers, warning that tourism can either strengthen or erode host societies. Blue Economy Diplomacy: Seychelles and India agreed to deepen cooperation on fisheries and the blue economy, with talks covering tuna fisheries, aquaculture, stock assessment, post-harvest tech, marine conservation, and digital monitoring plus a push for a structured MoU/work plan. Regional Political Signals: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie joined IMF and other regional leaders in congratulating Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pledging continued cooperation. Sports Oversight: Youth and Sports Minister Kalsey Belle visited sports facilities across western Mahé, meeting district authorities and communities on access and maintenance. Energy Transition Context: Seychelles-linked coverage highlighted Africa’s push toward scaling solar to 200GW, with calls for investment, grids, and storage to improve energy security. Mobility & Travel: Henley Passport Index reporting placed Seychelles as Africa’s top passport for visa-free access, while US port-security watchlist updates again included Seychelles. International Cooperation: China’s ambassador met Seychelles’ Vice President Sebastien Pillay and senior officials to discuss expanded practical cooperation across digital transformation, science and technology, and infrastructure.

Fisheries & Blue Economy Diplomacy: Seychelles and India held a high-level meeting in New Delhi to deepen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the wider blue economy, with talks covering tuna fisheries, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest technology, marine conservation, and digital monitoring—plus a push for a structured work plan and a dedicated MoU. Regional Political Signals: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie joined IMF, Mozambique, AUDA-NEPAD and Egypt in congratulating Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pledging continued partnership as he begins a new term. Energy Transition Focus: At the International Solar Alliance regional meeting in Victoria Falls, Seychelles’ Marie-May Jeremie backed solar expansion, stressing the need for storage, strong grids and investable projects to cut reliance on imported fuels. Sports Governance on the Ground: Youth and Sports Minister Kalsey Belle visited sports facilities across western Mahé, meeting district authorities and communities on maintenance, access and conditions. International Mobility & Policy Spillovers: US port-security restrictions continue to include Seychelles, while separate travel-access rankings highlight Seychelles’ strong passport mobility in global indices.

India–Seychelles Fisheries Push: Seychelles and India agreed to deepen cooperation on fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy after a high-level New Delhi meeting, with talks on tuna fisheries, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest technology, marine conservation, and digital tools including AI and fisheries data systems—plus a push for a dedicated fisheries and aquaculture MoU and a structured work plan. Energy Transition Spotlight: At the International Solar Alliance regional meeting in Victoria Falls, Seychelles officials backed solar expansion, stressing rooftop/distributed solar, storage, stronger grids, and ISA partnership frameworks to turn sunlight into investable projects. Regional Political Signals: Seychelles joined other regional leaders in congratulating Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, underscoring continuity and regional development ties. Diplomatic Engagement: China’s ambassador to Seychelles met Vice President Sebastien Pillay and senior officials, signaling readiness to expand practical cooperation across digital transformation, science and technology, housing, infrastructure, poverty reduction and disaster risk management. Legal/Border Matters: India’s Union Cabinet approved extradition treaties with Kenya, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and gave ex-post facto approval for a Seychelles extradition treaty. Sports Update: Seychelles Judo Federation graded six new black belt holders at Roche Caïman Dojo.

India–Seychelles Blue Economy Talks: New Delhi hosted a high-level meeting on 25 August where Seychelles pushed to fast-track a fisheries and aquaculture MoU with India, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation on tuna fisheries, marine aquaculture, stock assessment, post-harvest tech, conservation, and a structured work plan. Digital Fisheries & AI: The delegations also flagged digital transformation—fisheries data systems, monitoring and surveillance, and AI for harvest management—alongside training, joint research, and reciprocal lab access. Energy Transition Focus: Seychelles’ environment and energy leadership used the ISA Africa solar meeting in Victoria Falls to call for rooftop and distributed solar, stressing storage, stronger grids, and investable projects. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles joined AUDA-NEPAD and other regional leaders in congratulating Zambia’s President Hichilema on re-election, signalling continuity support. Extradition Legal Framework: India’s Union Cabinet approved extradition treaties with Kenya, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and gave ex-post facto approval for a Seychelles extradition treaty signed in June. Maritime Security Watch: Reports say Seychelles remains on a US port-security restrictions watch list, a reminder of how external security assessments can affect shipping operations.

India–Seychelles Agri Cooperation: Seychelles’ Minister Wallace Cosgrow met India’s ICAR chief in New Delhi to advance a June 2026 MoU on capacity building and agriculture research for meat, poultry and pork sectors. Seychelles–India Digital & Maritime Links: A separate India–Seychelles relations dialogue highlighted deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy and digital governance, with young researchers presenting priorities for future work. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: A Russian Embassy-organised motorcade in Mahé and cultural events at the Seychelles Academy of Tourism marked 22 August, with students taking part in Russian-language workshops and tricolour activities. US Port-Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept Seychelles on its port-security advisory list, citing inadequate antiterrorism measures and adding extra security conditions for ships calling at affected ports. UK Ancestry Visa Route: The UK highlighted the Ancestry Visa scheme for Commonwealth citizens, listing Seychelles among eligible countries for applicants who can prove a UK-born grandparent. Regional Health Signal: WHO’s Africa chief said several countries, including Seychelles, are still reaching disease-control milestones despite major funding cuts.

Diplomacy & Tech Cooperation: China’s Ambassador Lin Nan met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay and senior officials to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation across ICT, science and technology, digital transformation, housing, infrastructure, poverty reduction and disaster risk management. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept Seychelles on its port-security advisory list, citing ports that are “not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures,” meaning extra security conditions for vessels calling at affected countries before entering the US. Mobility & Passports: Seychelles is highlighted in multiple travel-access rankings, including the Henley Passport Index where the Seychelles passport is listed as Africa’s most powerful, with visa-free access to 155 destinations. International Engagement: Seychelles held a motorcade in Victoria to mark Russian National Flag Day, organised by the Russian Embassy and African Initiative, alongside cultural events at the Seychelles Academy of Tourism and the Russian Embassy. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles tourism is being pushed through new Kenya Airways-linked safari-and-beach packages aimed at attracting North American visitors, with officials pitching the “Kenya safari + Seychelles beach” combination.

Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: A Russian Embassy-organised motorcade in Mahé marked 22 August, with ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev leading five cars from Eden Island to Pointe Larue Airport, while Russian-flagged ships joined and Russian-language students staged cultural activities at the Seychelles Academy of Tourism. India–Seychelles ties: At an India–Seychelles relations dialogue in New Delhi, High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche and researchers discussed deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy, digital governance, education and people-to-people links. Tourism push with Kenya Airways: Seychelles Tourism Board officials promoted “twin-centre” safari-and-beach packages with Kenya Airways, targeting North American travellers via Nairobi connections to pair Kenya wildlife with Seychelles island holidays. Seychelles in UK visa spotlight: A UK Ancestry visa scheme lists Seychelles among eligible Commonwealth-linked countries, offering a route to live and work in the UK for up to five years—useful for Seychellois applicants planning longer-term mobility. Regional gender progress: A Southern Africa Gender and Development Index update says Seychelles is among the few countries scoring above 60%, highlighting gains alongside rising political, legal and financial pressure on gender commitments. Maritime security watch: The US Coast Guard’s port security advisory list still includes Seychelles, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports before entering the United States.

Seychelles–Russia Relations: A Russian National Flag Day motorcade rolled through Victoria, with the Russian ambassador leading five cars from Eden Island to Pointe Larue Airport, while Russian-flag events also drew about 100 Russian-language students at the Seychelles Academy of Tourism. India–Seychelles Cooperation: An India–Seychelles relations dialogue in New Delhi highlighted scope to deepen ties in maritime security, the Blue Economy, digital governance, education and people-to-people links. Tourism Push: Seychelles and Kenya Airways are promoting “safari-and-islands” twin-centre holidays for North America, aiming to convert safari bookings into Seychelles beach and marine experiences. Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard’s port security advisory keeps 22 countries on its list, including Seychelles, meaning extra security requirements for ships calling at affected ports before entering the US. Blue Economy Skills: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is positioning for more blue-economy investment, with a focus on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, transport and logistics—an approach Seychelles policymakers may watch closely. Culture & Recognition: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contribution to contemporary African art.

India–Seychelles Diplomacy: At an India–Seychelles relations dialogue in New Delhi, Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche and researchers discussed deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy, digital governance, education and people-to-people links. Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, citing gaps in effective antiterrorism measures—meaning extra security steps for ships calling there before entering the US. SADC Industrial Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed a Durban SADC agenda focused on industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, with regional integration as the through-line. Seychelles in Regional Justice: Zanzibar is set to host the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum (Oct 5–9, 2026), a platform for judicial reform and better justice delivery across the region. Culture & Recognition: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contribution to contemporary African art, with the award presented in Victoria after he missed the Kumasi ceremony. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles and Kenya Airways are promoting twin-centre safari-and-beach packages for North America, positioning Seychelles as the natural follow-on to Kenya safaris.

India–Seychelles Diplomacy: Seychelles High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche joined an India–Seychelles relations dialogue in New Delhi, where researchers and diplomats flagged deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy, digital governance, education and people-to-people links. Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, after it found ports were not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures—potentially triggering extra security requirements for ships calling there before entering the US. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles is pushing “safari-and-islands” packages with Kenya Airways for North America, aiming to convert safari demand into longer stays on the islands. Blue Economy Push: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is positioning for more private investment across fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, transport and logistics as the blue economy expands. Regional Governance & Rights: A Southern Africa Gender and Development Index review puts Seychelles among the few countries scoring above 60%, while warning of rising political, legal and financial pressure on gender gains. Culture Spotlight: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contribution to contemporary African art, with his work drawing on Seychelles’ natural world. International Legal Memory: A new commentary revisits the Chagos displacement story and the long fight over sovereignty and return—an issue that resonates across the Indian Ocean region.

Regional Security & Trade: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, after finding ports “not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures,” meaning extra security conditions for ships calling there before entering the US. SADC Governance: SADC leaders in Durban backed an agenda on industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, with President Cyril Ramaphosa elected chair and Zambia set to take over next. Gender & Development: A new Southern Africa Gender and Development Index puts Seychelles among the top performers in the region (over 60%), while warning that gains face rising political, legal and financial pressure. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles and Kenya Airways are promoting twin safari-and-beach holidays for North America, aiming to boost long-haul visitor numbers. Tourism Investment Debate: A major review asks why Africa still attracts a small share of global tourism investment, pointing to visa limits, infrastructure gaps and licensing burdens—an issue Seychelles tourism stakeholders will watch closely. Culture & Recognition: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contribution to contemporary African art. Sports & Representation: Seychelles is set for a historic first international karting appearance in Angola, sending a national delegation for the Pan-African Karting Championship.

Seychelles in Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard says ports in 22 countries, including Seychelles, are not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures, meaning extra security conditions for ships calling at those ports before entering the US. SADC Industrial Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed a SADC agenda in Durban focused on industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, as Ramaphosa chairs and Zambia takes over next. Gender Scorecard for the Region: A Southern Africa Gender and Development Index update puts Seychelles among the higher performers, with the region scoring 58% overall while noting rising political, legal and financial pressure on gains. Maritime Safety and Readiness: India has handed Seychelles specialised tools to improve Coast Guard safety and readiness, reinforcing defence cooperation. Tourism and Culture Spotlight: A Seychellois artist, Leon Radegonde, received an Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contribution to contemporary African art. Local Sports Pathway: Seychelles is set for its first-ever international karting representation in Angola, with a national delegation travelling in October. Blue Economy Angle: Tanzania’s blue economy push highlights how maritime education and policy support can unlock investment—an approach Seychelles tourism and maritime stakeholders may watch closely.

SADC Agenda in Focus: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed a Durban summit agenda pushing industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, with Cyril Ramaphosa chairing and Zambia set to take over next; leaders also endorsed the SADC Tourism UNIVISA and the SADC Regional Development Fund. Maritime Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries, including Seychelles, on its port security advisory list for not meeting antiterrorism measures, meaning extra security steps for ships calling at those ports before entering the US. Seychelles Recognition in Culture: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde was named a laureate of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, with the award presented in Victoria after he couldn’t attend in Ghana. Local Sports Milestone: Autosport Seychelles says two young karting drivers will represent Seychelles for the first time at an international event overseas in Angola in October. Regional Gender Scorecard: A Southern Africa Gender and Development Index put Seychelles among the few countries scoring above 60%, while warning of rising political, legal and financial pressure on gains.

Seychelles–US maritime security: The US Coast Guard kept Seychelles on its port security advisory list, warning ports are not maintaining effective anti-terror measures; the move can trigger extra security requirements for ships calling at affected countries before entering the US. Regional politics and integration: SADC leaders in Durban backed a push for industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, with tourism visa cooperation also endorsed as Ramaphosa chairs and Zambia prepares to take over. Seychelles in the Indian Ocean spotlight: India’s support continues with reports of specialised tools handed over to Seychelles to improve Coast Guard safety and readiness. Local governance and institutions: Seychelles Football Federation launched a five-day FIFA MA Match Assessor Course to strengthen match-official assessment and development. Culture and recognition: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an international art award linked to contemporary African art, with the ceremony held in Victoria after he missed the Ghana event. Sports diplomacy: Seychelles is set for its first-ever international karting appearance overseas, sending a national delegation to Angola in October.

SADC Summit Agenda: Southern African leaders backed a push for industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals at the 46th SADC summit in Durban, with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa elected chair and Zambia set to host the 47th summit in Lusaka. Regional Politics & Tensions: Anti-migrant group March and March escalated protests around the SADC meeting, demanding stricter visa controls, asylum policy reviews and action against employers hiring undocumented workers. Seychelles International Spotlight: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards for his contribution to contemporary African art, with the award presented in Victoria by Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein. Seychelles Defence & Coast Guard: India handed over specialised tools to Seychelles to improve safety and readiness of the Coast Guard, as part of broader defence cooperation. Sports Development: Seychelles Football Federation launched an international FIFA MA Match Assessor Course to strengthen match-official evaluation and development. Global Mobility Watch: Passport Reports ranked South Africa’s passport 86th globally, while Seychelles’ regional standing continues to feature in shifting visa-access rankings.

Seychelles-India Defence Ties: India handed Seychelles repaired Dornier electronic units, calibrated aircraft tools, safety helmets and seamanship ropes to boost EEZ surveillance and SAR readiness. Regional Politics (SADC): At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed a push for resilient, sustainable industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals, with South Africa taking the chair and Zambia set to host the next summit. SADC Migration Pressure: South Africa’s anti-migrant “March and March” plans a picket and march at the summit’s final day, demanding stricter visa controls and limits on access to public services for undocumented migrants. Local Sports Development: Seychelles Football Federation launched a five-day FIFA MA Match Assessor Course to strengthen match-official evaluation and development. Motorsport Pathway: Autosport Seychelles will send two young karting drivers to Angola for the Pan-African Karting Championship “SHOWRUN,” marking the country’s first official international karting representation. Tourism Policy Note: TN Minister Rajmohan presented a 2026–2027 tourism and culture policy note covering archaeology, museums, digitalisation and support for traditional practitioners.