AGP Executive Report

Governance & Energy Saving: Seychelles National Assembly will aim to close Wednesday sittings earlier, after a Business Committee decision linked to the country’s energy conservation measures. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a WHO prequalified rapid test that screens for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B in one visit using a finger-prick blood sample—supporting efforts to cut mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, stressing stronger institutions, collaboration, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy stealth frigate INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria on June 12, with planned meetings to strengthen defence and maritime security ties. Court & Crypto Accountability: A Seychelles Supreme Court award ordering KuCoin to pay a Swiss investor over $2m tied to delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid, renewing legal scrutiny over how exchanges handle delisted assets. Digital Economy: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Seychelles included in the rollout list. Finance & Markets: MEXC published June 2026 Proof of Reserves claiming an average 156.5% reserve ratio across major assets.

Maritime Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, strengthening defence and maritime ties with Seychelles, with meetings planned with government and Seychelles Defence Forces officials. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a WHO-prequalified rapid test that screens HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B in one visit, supporting the push to eliminate mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, backing stronger institutions, collaboration, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Court & Finance: A Seychelles Supreme Court award ordering KuCoin to pay a Swiss investor over $2 million tied to delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid, with renewed legal scrutiny after the court rejected KuCoin’s “abandoned property” argument. Digital Access: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Seychelles and other African markets, bringing AI help for searching and understanding information directly into the browser. Local Governance: The National Assembly will aim to end Wednesday sittings earlier as part of energy conservation measures.

Maritime Security: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, underscoring deepening India–Seychelles defence ties after it escorted the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster following refit work in India. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support the push to eliminate mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029 at the UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, with priorities including connectivity, workforce development and sustainability. EU Trade Talks: Seychelles joined Comoros, Madagascar and Mauritius in concluding negotiations on an enhanced EU–ESA Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for deeper regional integration and new services and digitalisation opportunities. Court & Crypto Compliance: A Seychelles Supreme Court ruling has renewed scrutiny on KuCoin after a Swiss investor says a $2M+ award over delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid, with the court rejecting KuCoin’s “abandoned property” argument. Education Upgrade: The Smart Classroom project launched at Anse Royale secondary school, bringing digital innovation to modernise teaching and learning. Banking Access: Bank of Ceylon’s expansion to cover all 331 Sri Lankan divisional secretariat divisions highlights the wider regional push for easier access to formal banking services.

Maritime Security: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, reinforcing growing India–Seychelles defence and Coast Guard cooperation, with meetings planned with senior Seychelles officials. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling rapid “one visit, one test, three results” screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support triple-elimination goals. Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo, focusing on stronger institutions, collaboration, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. EU Trade: Seychelles joined Comoros, Madagascar and Mauritius in concluding negotiations on an enhanced EU–ESA Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for deeper integration and new opportunities in services and digitalisation. Local Governance: The National Assembly will now aim to end Wednesday sittings earlier to align with energy conservation measures. Education: A “Smart Classroom” project launched at Anse Royale secondary school to modernise teaching through digital innovation. Business & Courts: A Seychelles Supreme Court token dispute keeps KuCoin in the spotlight, with a Swiss investor alleging a $2M+ award remains unpaid. Health Systems: Seychelles backs the WHO prequalified integrated test rollout to improve antenatal screening where women may attend fewer visits.

Education & Skills: Seychelles Chess Federation kicked off chess notation training at the National Library ahead of the National Chess Championship starting today, running through June 27 at St Louis community centre. Digital Learning: The Ministry of Education launched the “Smart Classroom” project at Anse Royale secondary school, aiming to modernise teaching with digital tools and improve access to quality learning. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one-visit rapid screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support triple elimination efforts. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, focusing on stronger foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability. Trade & Diplomacy: Seychelles concluded negotiations on the EU–Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, moving toward a modern, comprehensive free trade framework. Finance & Courts: A Seychelles Supreme Court-linked dispute has put KuCoin back under scrutiny after a Swiss investor says a $2M+ award over delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes and adds routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, boosting summer travel options via Doha.

HIV Triple-Elimination Push: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, using a single finger-prick to screen for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B in minutes—aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, backing stronger foundations, collaboration, skills and sustainability for island destinations. Ocean Funding Gap: A new call highlights how ocean conservation still faces a major financing shortfall, as leaders meet for Our Ocean in Kenya with renewed focus on closing the gap. Local Governance: The National Assembly will aim to end Wednesday sittings earlier to support national energy conservation measures. Crypto Court Case: A Seychelles Supreme Court award of over $2m against KuCoin remains unpaid, according to a Swiss investor, after the exchange declared his tokens “abandoned.” Trade & Integration: The EU and ESA partners including Seychelles concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, targeting services, digitalisation and sustainable development.

Health & Maternal Care: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a “one visit, one test, three results” finger-prick system for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—aimed at accelerating the triple elimination push. Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, focusing on stronger institutions, collaboration, human capital and sustainability for island destinations. Local Governance: The National Assembly will aim to close Wednesday sittings earlier as part of Seychelles’ energy conservation measures, with the next reconvening set for Tuesday, June 16. Regional Connectivity: Qatar Airways is restarting and adding routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, as well as services to Kigali, Marrakesh and Port Sudan. Ocean & Climate Action: A global leaders’ letter ahead of COP31 urges placing the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the signatories. World Oceans Day (Seychelles-linked): Canon South Africa highlights coral restoration work in the Western Indian Ocean, partnering with Nature Seychelles.

Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted the first WHO prequalified 4th-generation integrated test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, using one rapid finger-prick to deliver results in minutes—aimed at strengthening antenatal care and triple-elimination targets. Parliament & Energy Saving: The National Assembly will aim to close Wednesday sittings earlier, aligning with Seychelles’ ongoing energy conservation measures. Tourism & Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it will restart and expand key routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, as part of a wider summer Africa network rebuild. Ocean & Climate Action: Global leaders have issued a letter urging COP31 to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the signatories. Environment Spotlight: Curieuse Island’s giant tortoise translocation programme is highlighted as a living conservation success story—tortoises now roam freely and help protect biodiversity. Tech & AI Access: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Seychelles as part of a broader Africa expansion. Trade & Regional Integration: The EU and ESA partners including Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, focused on services, digitalisation and sustainable development.

Parliament & Energy Saving: Seychelles’ National Assembly will now aim to end Wednesday sittings earlier, aligning with the country’s energy conservation push, with the next sitting set for Tuesday, June 16. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA states including Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules and new opportunities in services, investment, digitalisation and sustainable development. AI in the Browser: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, and listed Seychelles among 55 supported African locales—bringing more AI search and understanding to the region. World Oceans Day Spotlight: Conservation partners highlighted coral restoration work in the Western Indian Ocean, with Nature Seychelles named among regional collaborators supporting imaging and restoration efforts. Tourism Connectivity: Qatar Airways said it will restart flights to Seychelles from June 16 (four weekly services), restoring a key Indian Ocean route for the summer schedule. Travel & Aviation: Aeroflot will continue regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season starting July 8, using A350 aircraft. Local Culture: A film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, celebrating Russia–Seychelles cultural ties.

Ocean Climate Push: Global leaders have issued an open letter urging COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the governments backing a “Blue COP” push. Trade & Regional Ties: The EU and ESA4 states (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles) have concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with the EU publishing key Q&As on what it means for trade. Seychelles Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report named Seychelles the world’s top eco-tourism destination in 2026 rankings, while a separate piece asks whether the crown is matched by ongoing sustainability challenges. Aviation Update: Aeroflot will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8, using Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft, with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles service. Ocean Governance & Heritage: A World Ocean Day event highlighted calls for innovative, inclusive ocean governance in Nigeria, and an Indian Ocean workshop in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the region. Sports & Culture: A Seychelles-hosted film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday and celebrated Russia–Seychelles cultural ties.

Ocean Economy & Governance: Stakeholders marked World Ocean Day (June 8) with calls for more inclusive, sustainable ocean governance to protect livelihoods and drive growth, warning that pollution and overuse are rising. EU–Seychelles Trade Deal: The EU and ESA4 partners (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles) concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with the EU publishing key Q&As on market size and trade flows. Seychelles Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles was named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, with experts pointing to protected areas and natural environment strengths—while noting carbon and water-stress concerns. SBC Independence Under Threat: A new bill in Seychelles is drawing alarm over risks to the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics flagging governance and funding pressures. Russia–Seychelles Sports Ties: Seychelles’ youth and sport minister said relations with Russia remain strong, citing athlete training, coach development and Russian investment in local sports infrastructure. Aviation Update: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8, using Airbus A350 aircraft. Heritage & Memory: A Mauritius workshop focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, linking communities and building a regional roadmap with UNESCO and heritage experts. Ocean Conservation Lessons: A World Ocean Day piece highlights how tuna recovery is improving through quotas and enforcement—useful for conservation planning beyond “feel-good” messaging.

Travel & Tourism: Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee spotlight comes as U.S. News & World Report names the archipelago the world’s top eco-tourism destination, praising protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress. Aviation: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles through the summer, starting July 8 with A350 wide-body service twice weekly between Moscow and Seychelles. Maritime & Hospitality: STORY Hospitality joins GHA DISCOVERY, giving STORY Hotels & Resorts guests access to a loyalty programme with rewards and benefits across 1,000+ hotels worldwide. Sports & Local Events: The SSL Gold Cup Africa & Oceanian Qualifier saw Seychelles Vann Swet pushed over the line early in a tense final-day race on Lake Neuchâtel, with Mozambique also hit by disqualifications. Regional Cooperation: A WCO-backed EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa programme trained customs experts from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco and The Gambia, building local capacity to apply trade rules. Security & Finance: Bitget launched Anti-Scam Month 2026, reporting $32.3m recovered for users and major fraud-prevention activity.

Seychelles Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles has been named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Countries rankings, scoring strongly on protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging challenges like carbon emissions and water stress. Air Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season, starting July 8 with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles services using A350 wide-body aircraft. Media Freedom in Focus: A new bill in Seychelles is raising alarms over the independence of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), with critics warning governance and funding could be used to pressure public media. Sports & Regional Ties: Seychelles’ participation in the SSL Gold Cup qualifiers continues to make headlines, including a dramatic final-day race where Seychelles Vann Swet finished third after Mozambique was disqualified. Heritage Across the Indian Ocean: Seychelles-linked regional discussions in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage, aiming for a shared roadmap across Indian Ocean communities. Youth & Sport Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting training and infrastructure cooperation.

Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report has named Seychelles the world’s top eco-tourism destination for 2026, citing strengths in protected areas, air quality and species richness—while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress as key gaps. Air Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles over the summer, starting July 8 with A350 wide-body aircraft, twice weekly between Moscow and Seychelles. Ocean Conservation: A new report highlights how Africa’s ocean protection push is gaining momentum, with Seychelles already protecting over 30% of its waters through marine-focused financing tools. Local Media Governance: A new bill is raising alarms over the independence of Seychelles’ public broadcaster SBC, with critics warning funding and control could be used to pressure the service. Heritage & Culture: A regional workshop in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, linking communities and shared histories. Sports & Community: Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee celebrations continue to draw attention as regional and international partners highlight youth, sport and cultural ties.

SBC Independence Under Threat: A new bill in Seychelles is raising alarms over the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding controls that could pressure public media. Seychelles-Russia Sports Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russia treats Seychelles as an equal partner, highlighting athlete and coach training links plus Russian support for local sports infrastructure. Tourism & Travel Policy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that led Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances for President Lai’s Eswatini trip. Ocean & Fisheries: A World Ocean Day piece says tuna recovery is driven by quotas, enforcement and stock assessments—useful lessons for Seychelles’ own marine management. Local Business/Tech: Seychelles-based MEXC integrated with TradingView, letting users trade crypto directly from charts. Hospitality: STORY Hospitality says its guests can access GHA DISCOVERY loyalty benefits across 1,000+ hotels worldwide. Regional Heritage: Mauritius hosted a workshop to strengthen indentured labour heritage preservation across the Indian Ocean.

Seychelles–Russia Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russia has “never” treated Seychelles as anything less than an equal partner, citing decades of cooperation in sport training, education and youth policy, plus Russian investment in local infrastructure. Media Independence: A new bill on SBC independence is raising alarms over governance and funding controls that could weaken the public broadcaster’s autonomy. Regional Heritage: Seychelles-linked experts joined a Mauritius workshop to strengthen preservation and promotion of indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, with UNESCO and heritage bodies backing a regional roadmap. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sweden is pushing the EU to tighten Russian tourist visa rules, while a separate report notes Sri Lanka’s visa-fee waiver for 40 countries—Seychelles included—leaves Bangladesh out. Aviation Safety & Standards: Seychelles participated in an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, aimed at harmonising runway standards across SADC. Finance & Trade: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa director, covering Seychelles, and Mauritius Commercial Bank pledged $1bn for African trade finance.