AGP Executive Report

Seychelles Finance Boost: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, building on $84m already approved since 2024, with reforms targeting stronger governance, a better business climate and climate resilience. Maritime Safety: Seychelles helped 17 Indian fishermen after their vessel suffered engine failure in high seas off the islands, with India also noting recent defence and maritime cooperation support. Tourism Resilience: State House says Seychelles is adapting after Middle East aviation disruptions, stressing the need to keep routes open and diversify connectivity as visitor numbers were hit when access faltered. Ocean Conservation: A regional push highlights why marine conservation needs cross-border cooperation and shared financing, since sea life journeys don’t stop at national waters. Sports Spotlight: Seychelles’ name appears in regional football context as Kenya’s women’s team recalled players ahead of Olympic qualifiers against Seychelles. Global Finance Watch: US Treasury sanctions the Russia-linked A7 Network after tracing $17bn in transactions, a reminder of how international finance crackdowns can ripple worldwide.

Seychelles Economic Boost: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, bringing total support to $84m since 2024, with reforms aimed at stronger governance, a better business climate and climate resilience. Tourism Connectivity Lesson: State House says COVID-era lessons are guiding a faster, more diversified response as Middle East aviation disruptions test Seychelles’ route access—about 60% of visitors connect via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Regional Mobility: A new Passport Index update places Seychelles among Africa’s strongest for visa-free access, highlighting growing intra-African travel freedom. Chagos Return Deal Stalls: Chagos Refugees Group leaders say delays to a Britain-Mauritius treaty on resettlement are deepening fears, with opposition linked to US political interference. Digital Rights Warning: A commentary on the Radaris case warns businesses that mishandling data subject requests can escalate into major legal action. Cybersecurity Alert: Reports say attackers are abusing ChatGPT Custom GPTs to lure victims to malicious ClickFix-style sites. Finance & Markets: Diageo booked a Sh5.57bn loss tied to its EABL/UDV Kenya sale to Asahi, while Seychelles’ own economic financing and digital upgrades continue to draw attention.

Seychelles Development Finance: The African Development Bank has approved a $34 million loan for Seychelles to boost economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, with total support under the programme reaching $84 million since 2024. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles says tourism is adapting after Middle East aviation disruptions, stressing that keeping routes open is as vital as keeping the destination attractive. Seychelles-India Ties: A look at 50 years of diplomatic relations highlights shared culture, festivals and cuisine linking the two countries. Local Economy & Policy: The Seychelles “Friend to All” diplomacy theme returns as leaders push for peace-talk relevance for a small island state. Regional Mobility: Passport Index data places Seychelles among Africa’s top passport holders, reflecting wider moves toward easier intra-African travel. Global Markets Watch: Diageo booked a Sh5.57bn charge tied to its EABL and UDV Kenya stake sale to Asahi, a reminder of how big business deals can swing results. Tech Security: Reports warn attackers are abusing ChatGPT Custom GPTs to lure users to malicious sites. Aviation Updates: Emirates resumes daily A380 flights between Prague and Dubai, adding Premium Economy for the route.

Passport Power & Mobility: New Passport Index rankings put Seychelles among Africa’s top passport performers, with visa-free access boosting mobility scores and reflecting the continent’s push for easier movement. Tourism Resilience: Seychelles says World Tourism Day arrivals and recent aviation shocks underline a key lesson from COVID-19: keeping routes open matters as much as keeping the destination attractive. Development Finance: The African Development Bank has approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, including digital public financial management upgrades. Seychelles-India Ties: Fifty years of diplomatic relations are matched by deep cultural links, from Mahé’s Indian temple festivals to shared cuisine and ongoing exchange programmes. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles’ President Herminie led the country’s takeover of the AOSIS DOCK presidency, focusing on climate, ocean governance and financing for small island states. Aviation & Disruption Watch: Mauritius’ refusal of landing clearance for an Israel-bound charter forced Air Seychelles cancellations, highlighting how fast route access can change. Digital Economy: Seychelles-based Bitget resumed withdrawals after a major crypto hack, with a phased return planned across networks.

Cybersecurity: Threat actors are abusing ChatGPT Custom GPTs to lure victims via Google Sites and ClickFix-style pages, leading to malware and RAT infections, with at least 40 users reported affected. Seychelles Economy: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, adding to $84m already approved since 2024. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles says World Tourism Day arrivals and recent aviation disruptions underline a key lesson from COVID-19: keeping routes open is as vital as keeping the destination attractive. Regional Diplomacy/Travel: Mauritius refused landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation and highlighting how political-diplomatic decisions can quickly disrupt travel plans. SIDS Leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie took part in AOSIS leaders’ discussions in New York on climate, ocean governance and financing priorities for small island states. Business/Finance: WOO X launched WOO X EU, a MiCA-aligned trading platform supported by Payward Services, aimed at European retail and institutional traders. Crypto: Bitget resumed withdrawals after a major hack, with a phased return starting with Bitcoin.

Seychelles Economic Boost: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan for Seychelles to strengthen economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener development, bringing total support under the programme to $84m since 2024, with reforms targeting economic governance, the business environment and climate resilience plus digital upgrades like e-invoicing and e-procurement. Tourism Connectivity Test: State House says Seychelles is applying COVID-era lessons as Middle East aviation disruptions expose route dependence—highlighting the need to keep air links open as World Tourism Day approaches. Regional Diplomacy & SIDS: President Dr Patrick Herminie joined AOSIS leaders in New York to push practical implementation on climate, ocean governance, sustainable development and international financing ahead of COP31 and the BBNJ process. Air Travel Disruption Spillover: Mauritius denied landing clearance to an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation and underscoring how diplomatic decisions can quickly disrupt island travel plans. Crypto & Finance Watch: Seychelles-based Bitget paused and then planned a phased restart of withdrawals after a major security incident, with services returning network-by-network.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles will take over the SIDS DOCK Assembly presidency through December 2027, with President Dr Patrick Herminie leading the Tenth Session and pushing priorities on sustainable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development. Mauritius–Israel Flight Dispute: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation and sparking claims of “political and diplomatic considerations,” with reports linking the decision to Mauritius’ absence from Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address. Crypto Security in Seychelles: Seychelles-based Bitget paused withdrawals after a major hack, with withdrawals set to resume in phases starting with Bitcoin, following the reported transfer of about $387.5m. Wealth Inequality Snapshot: A new global analysis finds the richest 0.1% hold more wealth than the bottom 80% in 27 countries, with Russia and South Africa topping the list—an issue that resonates for small island economies facing inequality pressures. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles picked up an award at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives, winning “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination.”

SIDS Leadership: Seychelles will take over the Presidency of the SIDS DOCK Assembly through December 2027, with President Dr Patrick Herminie leading the organisation’s Tenth Session and pushing priorities on sustainable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development. Aviation & Diplomacy: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation at the last minute, with organisers citing “political and diplomatic considerations.” Cybersecurity & Finance: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget suspended withdrawals after a major hack, with withdrawals set to resume in phases as the company says user funds are safe and losses are covered. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles picked up an award at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives, winning “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination.” Global Policy Pressure: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for UN Security Council reform and a fairer global financial system, including more permanent seats for Africa. Ocean Conservation: ICS continued exploring Silhouette’s Key Biodiversity Areas, highlighting rare species and ongoing work to protect Seychelles’ biodiversity hotspots.

SIDS Leadership: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session, with the country set to hold the presidency through December 2027, as leaders push for stronger action on climate resilience, sustainable energy and ocean governance. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles also picked up an award at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala in the Maldives, winning “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination.” Flight Dispute Hits Region: Mauritius denied landing clearance to an Air Seychelles charter from Israel at the last minute, citing “political and diplomatic considerations,” forcing cancellation and leaving passengers to seek alternative arrangements. Cybersecurity Shock: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget paused withdrawals after a major hack, with CEO Gracy Chen saying private keys weren’t compromised and losses are covered by the firm’s own funds. Environment & Community: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community beach and public-space clean-up, continuing a broader Cleanup Marathon aimed at building lasting environmental responsibility. Global Finance Pressure: UN General Assembly remarks highlighted how debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining budgets for health, education and climate protection across vulnerable states.

SIDS Leadership: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session, with Seychelles set to hold the presidency through December 2027, as leaders push for stronger action on sustainable energy, climate resilience and ocean governance. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles earned a win at the World Travel Awards 2026 in the Maldives, taking “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination” as regional tourism leaders gathered for the gala. Air Travel Dispute: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, with the Israeli tour operator saying the refusal was driven by “political and diplomatic considerations,” leading to cancellation and passenger disruption. Blue Economy & Finance: A new push argues Nigeria needs about $10bn over ten years to unlock its blue economy, linking maritime growth, fisheries, coastal infrastructure and ocean research to long-term investment. Environment in Action: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community beach and public-space clean-up, continuing a broader cleanup marathon to build lasting environmental responsibility.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected by acclamation to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s Tenth Session through December 2027, boosting the archipelago’s push on sustainable energy, climate resilience and development for small island states. Regional Diplomacy & Aviation: Mauritius refused landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, citing “political and diplomatic considerations,” forcing cancellation and leaving passengers to be rebooked. Blue Economy Finance: Nigeria’s blue economy faces a major funding gap—about $10bn over 10 years—highlighting how debt burdens and weak investment stall shipping, fisheries, marine tourism and ocean research. Cyber & Crypto Risk (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles-based Bitget suspended withdrawals after a reported $351.6m hack, saying user funds are safe and losses are covered, while investigators examine how attackers spoofed transfers. Tourism & Technology: World Tourism Day 2026 in El Salvador focused on AI and digital identity, with voices including Seychelles urging that tech must keep people at the heart of travel. Environment in Action: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with community and school efforts, continuing a broader cleanup marathon with local partners and Wastea.

UN Diplomacy: African, Caribbean and Indian Ocean leaders warned at the UN General Assembly that debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining money from hospitals, schools and climate action, with Kenya’s William Ruto saying “the hospital competes with a creditor.” UN Security Council Reform: The same UN week saw calls for UN Security Council changes, including at least two permanent African seats for the continent, as Seychelles’ president backed non-alignment as an “active choice for peace.” Seychelles in Focus: Seychelles’ “friend to all, enemy to none” tourism diplomacy is being framed as potential soft power for peace talks, while the Seychelles–Russia Friendship Association and schools marked World Clean-up Day with ongoing beach and public-space clean-ups. Aviation Disruption: Mauritius refused landing approval for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation and passenger fallout. Cyber & Finance: Seychelles-based Bitget paused withdrawals after a reported $351.6m hack, saying user funds are safe and the breach method is under investigation. Regional Mobility: A WION summit highlighted visa facilitation and mobility as a bridge for tourism and diplomacy, with Seychelles’ high commissioner to India taking part.

Seychelles–Mauritius Aviation Dispute: Mauritius refused landing approval for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing Spirit World Productions to cancel the Saturday trip, with the operator saying the decision was driven by “political considerations” and apologising to affected Israeli passengers. UN Debt Pressure: African leaders at the UN General Assembly warned that debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining money from hospitals, schools and climate action, with Kenya’s William Ruto citing record global public debt and South Africa’s Ronald Lamola calling for fairer systems. UN Security Council Reform: Seychelles and other African states urged UN Security Council changes, including at least two permanent seats for Africa, alongside broader reform of global financial decision-making. Seychelles Clean-up Drive: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community beach and public-space clean-up, continuing the Cleanup Marathon with partners including Wastea and the Seychelles–Russia Friendship Association. Crypto Shock Hits Seychelles-based Bitget: Bitget, headquartered in Seychelles, suspended customer withdrawals after a reported ~$351.6m hack, saying user funds are safe and the loss is covered by its own funds while technical repairs continue. Russian Navy Visits Victoria: Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop arrived in Victoria for the first time for a business call, with protocol, cultural and sporting events and visits linked to naval cadets’ training. Tourism Diplomacy Angle: President Patrick Herminie told the UN Seychelles is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” framing non-alignment as an active choice for peace.

UN Diplomacy & Peace Talks: Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie told the UN that Seychelles is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” framing non-alignment as an active choice for peace—raising fresh questions about whether the island could offer a discreet meeting ground for dialogue. Regional Security: Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima urged UN member states to cooperate on intelligence-sharing, stopping the financing of violence, and UN reform that gives Africa permanent representation. Maritime & Security Presence: Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop arrived in Victoria for the first time, with crew participation in protocol, cultural events, and visits linked to naval training. Crypto Shock in Seychelles: Seychelles-based Bitget paused customer withdrawals after a reported $351.6m hack, saying user funds are safe and losses are covered by its own funds while investigations continue. Tourism Mobility Debate: A growing push for visa-free travel across Africa is highlighted as intra-African visa requirements rise, while Seychelles-linked regional discussions keep focusing on easier mobility for tourism and business. Seychelles Agriculture: Seed science and planting material security remains a priority as Seychelles relies heavily on imported vegetable seeds, aiming to protect quality while strengthening local conservation and multiplication. Local Sports & Community: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caïman combined sport with coastal cleanup awareness, supported by youth and sports officials and the Russian embassy.

Crypto Security in Focus: Seychelles-based Bitget froze customer withdrawals after a hack tied to about US$351.6m in unauthorised transfers, saying user funds are safe and losses are covered by its own funds, with withdrawals suspended as a precaution. Local Finance & Trading: Bitget also promoted its Seychelles-linked KCGI event, while Seychelles-registered Baazex announced expansion into Asian forex trading with a Seychelles FSA licence and access to 1,000+ instruments. Agriculture & Food Security: A Seychelles agriculture piece highlights the need for reliable seed and planting material systems, given Seychelles’ reliance on imported hybrid seeds and the challenge of building resilience. Health & Youth Nutrition: New survey findings point to growing dietary pressures on Seychelles adolescents, including lunch skipping and high sugar intake. UN Diplomacy: President Patrick Herminie backed Africa’s push for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, stressing maritime security and climate action. Ocean Governance: The High Seas Treaty and the BBNJ agreement are framed as a “paper-to-protection” test for real ocean protection and fair sharing of benefits.

UN Diplomacy: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie used the UN General Assembly to back Africa’s push for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, while stressing maritime security, illegal fishing and climate action. Regional Energy & Industry: A SADC “just steel transition” idea is gaining traction, aiming to build greener industry across Southern Africa using renewable power and green hydrogen. Ocean Governance: The High Seas Treaty’s entry into force is being hailed as a breakthrough, but writers warn the real test is funding, institutions and enforcement beyond “paper protection.” Tourism Mobility: At a tourism summit in India, Seychelles’ High Commissioner highlighted how easier visas and stronger air links can deepen ties—framing mobility as a bridge, not a risk. Seychelles Sports & Community: Mahé–Praslin windsurfing saw Jules Kandasamy defend his title, while Seychelles’ Premier League match day five reshaped the table. Local Health: New survey findings point to growing dietary challenges among Seychelles adolescents, including lunch skipping and high sugar intake. Business & Finance (Seychelles-linked): Baazex, a Seychelles-licensed trading platform, announced expansion into Asian markets with a focus on simpler, transparent forex trading.