AGP Executive Report

Blue Economy Diplomacy: Seychelles and India held high-level talks in New Delhi to deepen cooperation on fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy, with a strong focus on sustainable marine resource management, tuna processing, conservation, and using digital tools and AI for harvest monitoring. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27 to 2028/29), starting this weekend, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in 48 markets including Nigeria. Local Community Event: The Seychelles Extravaganza is set for Saturday, 29 August, at the Hilltop Community Centre in Crest Road (4pm–1am), featuring food, music, games, live entertainment and a free entry community programme with an RSVP request. Tourism Values: Ambassador Alain St.Ange urged the tourism industry to measure success by the real value tourism brings to communities—not just visitor numbers—highlighting local ownership and cultural preservation. Weather Watch: Southern Africa’s 2026/27 rainy season is expected to show a north-south rainfall split under a strong El Niño, with Seychelles forecast among areas likely to see above-normal rainfall. Finance & Regulation: Hong Kong’s SFC added SBCFX and related Star Bridge Capital entities to its unlicensed alert list after a trading collapse that left gold investors out of USDT holdings.

Blue Economy & Fisheries Talks: Seychelles and India held high-level discussions on expanding cooperation in fisheries and the blue economy, including marine aquaculture, tuna fisheries, hatcheries, fish stock assessment, post-harvest technology, conservation, and plans for fisheries data systems and monitoring. Community Event: The free “Seychelles Extravaganza” at Hilltop Community Centre (Crest Road) runs Saturday 29 August from 4pm to 1am, with local food, music, games, live entertainment and a close-up magician, plus a voluntary contribution request. Tourism Value Debate: Ambassador Alain St.Ange urged the tourism industry to measure success by what tourism delivers for communities—not just visitor numbers—highlighting local ownership, cultural preservation and real economic value. Sports Round-Up: Seychelles judo heads to Réunion for the 9th International Open Judo des Mascareignes (29–30 August), while karting round five saw Ally take Senior honours and Peter Fred sweep Legends. Local Agriculture Policy: Seychelles reintroduced animal feed subsidies from 1 August 2026 to boost agricultural security and local production, with 158 qualified livestock farmers under the programme.

Seychelles–India Blue Economy: Seychelles’ fisheries, agriculture and blue economy minister Wallace Cosgrow met India’s fisheries secretary Abhilaksh Likhi to discuss a new MoU on marine aquaculture, tuna fisheries, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest tech, conservation and digital monitoring, including possible AI use in harvest management. Tourism Value Debate: Ambassador Alain St.Ange urged the world to judge tourism by real community benefits, not just visitor numbers, arguing tourism must strengthen host societies rather than erode them. Community Event: The free Seychelles Extravaganza at Hilltop Community Centre (Aug 29, 4pm–1am) will bring local food, music, games and live entertainment, with organisers asking for voluntary contributions and RSVPs. Sports Round-Up: Karting Club Championship round 5 saw Adam Ally win Senior honours and Peter Fred sweep Legends; Seychelles judo heads to Réunion for the 9th International Open des Mascareignes (Aug 29–30). Wildlife Spotlight: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 released a sneak peek from a record 65,000 entries, with the full London exhibition running Oct 16, 2026 to July 11, 2027. Local Agriculture Policy: Seychelles approved the reintroduction of animal feed subsidies from Aug 1, 2026, aiming to boost production and encourage farmers back into the sector.

Tourism & Community Value: Seychelles Ambassador-at-Large Alain St.Ange urged the world to judge tourism by real community benefits, not just visitor numbers, stressing local ownership, cultural protection and credible data. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Seychelles and India held talks on deepening cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, including tuna, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest tech, marine conservation, and digital monitoring, with Seychelles seeking a focused fisheries MoU. Climate Outlook: A strong El Niño is expected to bring contrasting rainfall across Southern Africa, with Seychelles flagged among areas likely to see normal to above-normal rainfall. Sports Development: Youth and Sports Minister Kalsey Belle toured sports facilities in western Mahé, meeting district authorities on access and maintenance. Energy Transition: Africa’s solar push is gaining momentum, with calls to scale up to 200 gigawatts over five years, including remarks on Seychelles’ need for storage and resilient grids. Wildlife Spotlight: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 released a sneak peek from a record 65,000+ entries, with the London exhibition running from 16 Oct 2026 to 11 July 2027.

Seychelles-India Blue Economy Talks: Seychelles and India agreed to deepen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the wider blue economy after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, with plans for a structured work plan, joint research, capacity building and digital upgrades including fisheries data systems and monitoring. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie and other partners sent congratulations to Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, with the IMF also pledging continued support for Zambia’s development agenda. Tourism & Travel: Club Med rewarded top travel advisors with an Indian Ocean famil across Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighting Club Med Seychelles and La Plantation d’Albion. Sports in Focus: Youth and Sports Minister Kalsey Belle toured sports facilities in western Mahé, meeting district authorities and communities on maintenance and access. Energy Transition: Seychelles’ environment and energy leadership backed Africa’s push for faster solar deployment, stressing the need for storage and stronger grids to cut fuel imports. Wildlife & Nature: Seychelles-linked travel and nature content also featured snorkeling safety tips and a global Wildlife Photographer of the Year sneak peek ahead of the October exhibition.

India-Seychelles Fisheries Talks: Seychelles and India met in New Delhi to deepen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy, with plans for a structured work plan and a possible fisheries-and-aquaculture MoU. Discussions covered tuna fisheries, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest technology, marine conservation, plus digital fisheries data systems and monitoring and surveillance, including use of AI for harvest management. Sports: CAF mapped the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with Seychelles drawn against Botswana in the first round; first legs are set for late September. In beach soccer, Seychelles face Malawi in the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers. Energy & Environment: Seychelles’ solar push was highlighted at an ISA regional meeting in Victoria Falls, stressing rooftop/distributed solar, storage and grid upgrades for energy security. Tourism & Culture: Club Med rewarded top travel agents with a seven-night Indian Ocean famil across Mauritius and Seychelles, spotlighting Club Med Seychelles and La Plantation d’Albion. Wildlife Spotlight: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year released a sneak peek of its 62nd edition winners, with Seychelles-linked coverage focusing on the Indian Ocean’s environmental stress and conservation urgency.

Seychelles–India Fisheries Push: Seychelles and India held a high-level meeting in New Delhi on 25 August to deepen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy, with talks on tuna fisheries, hatcheries, stock assessment, post-harvest technology, marine conservation and research, plus digital upgrades like fisheries data systems, monitoring and surveillance, and even AI for harvest management. MoU Acceleration: Seychelles also signalled it wants to fast-track a dedicated fisheries-and-aquaculture MoU with an advanced work plan, structured institutional cooperation, training and joint research. Energy Transition Spotlight: Seychelles’ environment and energy minister backed faster solar deployment at a regional ISA meeting in Victoria Falls, stressing solar storage and strong grids for energy security and less reliance on imported fuels. Sports Round-Up: Seychelles’ football leagues kicked off with a goal-fest, while local judo saw six new black belts earn 1st dan status, and cycling champion Jahdel Gabriel kept his unbeaten run in a 69.66km road race. International Mobility Note: A Henley Passport Index update again places Seychelles among Africa’s most travel-friendly passports, with visa-free access across many destinations.

Seychelles in CAF U-23 draw: CAF has confirmed the first-round pairings for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Seychelles set to face Botswana in a two-legged tie (first legs Sept 28; returns Oct 6). Local football action: The Seychelles Football Federation’s Championship League and League One kicked off with a goal-filled opening round, including Revengers’ strong start and Au Cap United’s 8-0 win in League One. Diplomacy and cooperation: China’s Ambassador Lin Nan met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay and officials to discuss deeper bilateral cooperation, including ICT, digital transformation, housing, and risk management. Travel and mobility: A Henley Passport Index update highlights Seychelles as Africa’s top passport, with visa-free access to 155 destinations. Maritime security watch: The US Coast Guard kept Seychelles on its port-security advisory list, meaning extra security conditions may apply for ships calling at affected ports. Sports abroad: Seychelles is among the nations listed for the ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship field in Ireland. Culture spotlight: Russian National Flag Day was marked in Seychelles with a motorcade in Victoria and events at the Academy of Tourism and the Russian Embassy.

UK Ancestry Visa: The UK has spotlighted its Ancestry Visa route for Commonwealth citizens, including Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroon, Seychelles and more, requiring proof a grandparent was born in the UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man, plus age 17+, work intent and self-support; it grants up to five years to live and work. US Port-Security Watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port-security advisory list, including Seychelles and nine other African states, after ports were found not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures—meaning extra ship security steps may be required for vessels calling there. Passport Mobility: Seychelles is again Africa’s top passport in the Henley ranking, while South Africa’s passport offers visa-free access to 101 destinations; both highlight how travel ease varies widely. Diplomacy & Tech: China’s Ambassador Lin Nan met Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay, discussing deeper cooperation across ICT, digital transformation, housing, infrastructure and disaster risk. Local Sports: Seychelles Football Federation leagues kicked off with a 29-goal opening round, including Revengers’ strong start and Au Cap United’s 8-0 win. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: A Russian Embassy-organised motorcade and cultural events marked 22 August, with Russian-language students taking part in workshops and performances.

UK Ancestry Visa: The UK has launched an Ancestry visa route that lets eligible Commonwealth citizens live and work in Britain for up to five years, with Seychelles listed among the eligible African countries. Seychelles Youth & Food Security: Bel Ombre’s “Green Harvest” initiative is turning a community garden into a youth-led model for sustainability, learning and local food security. Sports—Seychelles: The Seychelles Football Federation’s pre-season tournament is giving clubs a first look at the Absa Premier League season, while basketball playoffs, cup and plate matches are now underway. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: The Russian Embassy and African Initiative marked 22 August with events at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, including bracelet-making in the tricolour colours and Russian songs for about 100 students. India–Seychelles Ties: An academic dialogue in New Delhi highlighted deeper cooperation opportunities in maritime security, the Blue Economy and digital governance. Travel & Tourism: A new Kenya Airways push is promoting twin safari-and-beach trips pairing Kenya with Seychelles.

Seychelles-India ties: A Seychelles High Commission dialogue in New Delhi highlighted deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy, digital governance, education and people-to-people links. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: A Victoria motorcade and events at the Seychelles Tourism Academy marked 22 August with Russian-language workshops, tricolour crafts and performances. Seychelles sport: The Seychelles Football Federation’s Premier League pre-season tournament continues to shape the Absa Premier League build-up, while basketball playoffs, cup and plate competitions move into decisive stages. Youth and community: Bel Ombre’s “Green Harvest” project is empowering young people through hands-on learning tied to nature and food security. Tourism growth push: BIDPA projects tourism expansion of 0.56%, as Seychelles looks to keep momentum into the new season. Environment spotlight: A hawksbill sea turtle was freed in the Philippines after a fisherman sought help, underscoring the value of quick rescue action for critically endangered species.

India–Seychelles ties: A New Delhi dialogue hosted by the Seychelles High Commission highlighted fresh scope for cooperation on maritime security, the Blue Economy and digital governance, with young researchers presenting ideas for deeper people-to-people links. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: The Russian Embassy and African Initiative marked 22 August at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, with about 100 students taking part in tricolour craft workshops and Russian songs, and Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev urging learners to keep practising. Blue economy push: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is gearing up to attract more private investment into fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and transport, as the country prepares for its international blue economy conference. Maritime security watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries, including Seychelles, remain on its port security advisory list, meaning extra security steps may apply to ships calling at those ports before entering the US. Tourism marketing: Kenya Airways and Seychelles tourism partners are promoting twin safari-and-beach packages aimed at luring North American travellers. Sports (Seychelles): Seychelles women’s beach volleyball pair Angelique Adeline and Dania Hoareau split results in Alexandria, beating Senegal 2-1 in one group match.

India–Seychelles ties: A New Delhi dialogue at the Seychelles High Commission highlighted deeper cooperation in maritime security, the Blue Economy and digital governance, with young researchers presenting ideas for future collaboration. Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: The Russian Embassy and African Initiative marked 22 August at the Seychelles Tourism Academy with about 100 students, a tricolour bracelet workshop, Russian songs and remarks by Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev. Tourism push: Seychelles and Kenya Airways are promoting twin safari-and-beach holidays aimed at luring North American travellers, pairing Kenya’s wildlife with Seychelles’ island and marine experiences. Blue economy: Seychelles seaweed aquaculture is in focus after a study pointed to promising species with very low mercury levels, supporting safer, export-ready sustainable farming. Sports & community: Seychelles women’s beach volleyball pair Angelique Adeline and Dania Hoareau recorded a win and a loss in Alexandria, while local sim racing continues with Autosport Seychelles league action.

Tourism Push: Seychelles is teaming up with Kenya Airways to market “safari-and-beach” twin-centre holidays for North American travellers, with STB highlighting how Kenya’s wildlife can be paired with Seychelles’ island-hopping and marine experiences. Sports & Culture: Russian Flag Day was celebrated at the Seychelles Tourism Academy with about 100 students studying Russian, featuring tricolour bracelet-making, songs and remarks by the Russian ambassador. Local Spotlight: Seychelles seaweed aquaculture is in focus after a study found several promising species from the islands have very low mercury levels, supporting safer food and export potential. Regional Watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, meaning extra security steps may apply to ships calling there before entering the US. Community & Talent: Seychelles women’s beach volleyball pair Angelique Adeline and Dania Hoareau split results in Alexandria, winning one group match and losing another.

Russian Flag Day in Seychelles: The Russian Embassy and the African Initiative marked Russian Flag Day at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, with about 100 students taking part in a tricolour bracelet workshop and Russian songs, and Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev urging learners to keep practising. Seychelles in regional gender progress: Seychelles is among the few Southern African countries scoring above 60% in the expanded Southern Africa Gender and Development Index, which tracks progress across law, health, representation and gender justice. Maritime security update: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, after ports were found not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures. Blue economy push: Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute is positioning for more private investment in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and transport, as the region turns to the blue economy for jobs and growth. Local culture and travel: Seychellois artist Leon Radegonde received an Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Award for his contemporary African art linked to Seychelles’ natural world, while a travel guide highlights Seychelles nature trails and island-hopping on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Sports: Seychelles women’s beach volleyball pair Angelique Adeline and Dania Hoareau won one group match and lost another at the CAVB championships in Alexandria.

Seychelles in Regional Gender Scorecard: The expanded Southern Africa Gender and Development Index (SGDI) puts Seychelles among the few countries scoring above 60%, with the region overall at 58%, highlighting gains in law, health and representation alongside rising political, legal and financial pressure. US Port Security Watch: The US Coast Guard says 22 countries remain on its port security advisory list, including Seychelles, after finding ports are not maintaining effective anti-terror measures—meaning extra security steps for ships calling there before entering the US. Seychelles Seaweed for Aquaculture: A new study points to promising seaweed species for Seychelles aquaculture, reporting very low mercury levels and potential for safe export. Local Sports & Youth: Seychelles women’s beach volleyball pair Angelique Adeline and Dania Hoareau split results in Alexandria, while 24 young Seychellois footballers in France received safeguarding training ahead of their return. Tourism & Nature: Visitors are being encouraged to explore Seychelles’ nature trails, with routes for every pace. International Visa Perk: Seychelles is among the EU Schengen visa-waiver countries, allowing short stays without a visa in advance.