AGP Executive Report

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries partnership in Brussels, signing a new four-year protocol granting EU vessels access to Seychelles waters for up to 55,000 tonnes annually, with licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles is set to boost air links as Ethiopian Airlines launches double-daily flights from Addis Ababa to Mahé from December 1, 2026, adding more than 1,000 weekly seats via Star Alliance connections. Trade & Food Imports: ISPC Seychelles CEO Alfred Fourcroy says trade with Russia needs stronger government support, pointing to complex consignment-by-consignment licensing and supplier approval hurdles. Environment: A coral restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre. Local Business/Regulation: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the Seychelles Finance Services Authority as it expands in emerging markets. Maritime Sector: Transport minister Ricardo de Abreu defended Angola’s push to consolidate maritime and port investments and update the national maritime strategy. Crypto Watch: BitMEX confirmed it will shut down on September 23, 2026, while a US lawsuit seeks the return of 622 BTC from the exchange.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement in Brussels, restoring EU access to Seychelles waters for four years with licences for up to 30 purse seine and 8 longline vessels, targeting as much as 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Trade & Food Imports: ISPC Seychelles CEO Alfred Fourcroy says trade with Russia needs stronger government backing, pointing to complex consignment-by-consignment licensing and supplier approval hurdles that slow new market entry. Aviation Connectivity: Ethiopian Airlines will launch double-daily flights between Addis Ababa and Mahé from December 1, 2026, boosting weekly capacity and strengthening Seychelles’ global links. Environment & Resilience: A regional coral reef restoration effort across Mauritius and Seychelles—supported by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—puts coastal communities at the centre to help reefs recover after repeated bleaching events. Finance Sector Watch: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the Seychelles Finance Services Authority as it expands in emerging markets. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Seychelles’ presence continues in Glasgow 2026, including relay heats featuring Seychelles swimmers.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fishing deal, signing a new four-year protocol that lets EU vessels resume operations in Seychelles waters for up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Telecoms & Digital Access: Starlink has entered Seychelles under the country’s regulatory framework, with officials saying satellite broadband will boost connectivity—especially where traditional infrastructure is harder to build. Finance & Regulation: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the Seychelles Finance Services Authority as it pushes expansion across emerging markets. Connectivity for Tourism: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights between Addis Ababa and Mahé from December 1, 2026, boosting seats and global links. Ocean Resilience: A coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Seychelles’ Angelina Smythe is listed in the mixed 4×100 free relay prelims, while the wider Games saw boxing quarterfinal progress for India’s Sachin, Ankush and Sakshi. Diplomacy: Seychelles’ foreign minister Barry Faure arrived in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session focused on water security and sanitation.

Starlink in Seychelles: The government has soft-launched Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority confirming it will operate under local rules and consumer protections—aimed at boosting connectivity where traditional infrastructure is harder to build. Aviation boost for tourism: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights between Addis Ababa and Mahé from December 1, 2026, raising weekly capacity and strengthening Seychelles’ links via Star Alliance. Indian Ocean reef resilience: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, putting coastal communities at the centre as bleaching and storms continue to hit the region. Finance sector licensing: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles Finance Services Authority licence, expanding its regulatory footprint as it targets growth in emerging markets. Crypto and trading developments: Bitget says Seychelles-linked activity is expanding through regulated services (including New Zealand registration) and highlights execution quality in tokenized equity trading, while BitMEX prepares to shut down on September 23. Commonwealth Games (Seychelles in the pool): In Glasgow, Seychelles swimmers are listed in the mixed 4×100 free relay prelims heat.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): JP Hale left frustrated after a bye into the last 16 ended in defeat, blaming referee decisions for his Commonwealth exit, while Nicole Clyde marked her redemption story by opening her account after years of setbacks. Commonwealth Games (Boxing): Louis Rooney’s first Games outing also ended early when a single punch sent his bout to a stoppage, shifting his focus to the road to Los Angeles 2028. Seychelles Connectivity: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ telecom market, with the soft launch at State House and SCRA oversight aimed at boosting reliable broadband across the islands. Aviation Links: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights from Addis Ababa to Mahé from December 1, strengthening Seychelles’ global connections. Maritime & Environment: SEA Index® expanded CO₂ certification to more recreational boats, with Seychelles included in the network of marinas. Crypto & Finance (Seychelles-based owner): BitMEX will shut down on September 23, with its Seychelles-based parent citing a strategic review as users are told to close positions and withdraw funds. Maritime Investment: Transport minister Ricardo de Abreu defended consolidation plans for Angola’s maritime and port sector, highlighting surveillance, security and strategy updates.

Starlink Arrives in Seychelles: The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority has authorised Elon Musk’s Starlink for a soft launch at State House, giving households and businesses a new satellite broadband option under local rules. Aviation Boost for Tourism: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights from Addis Ababa to Mahé from 1 December 2026, adding over 1,000 weekly seats and stronger Star Alliance connections. Maritime Green Credentials: The SEA Index® expanded its CO₂ certification to cover more recreational boats, including smaller vessels and catamarans, with Seychelles in the network. Crypto Shake-Up: BitMEX, the Seychelles-linked exchange behind perpetual swaps, will shut down on 23 September 2026 (04:00 UTC); new registrations are already halted and users are told to withdraw/close positions. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Seychelles swimmers and athletes are listed in Glasgow 2026 events, including a mixed 4×100 free relay heat featuring Seychelles in Lane 3. Maritime Investment Push (Regional): Angola’s transport minister defended consolidation of maritime and port investments and updates to maritime laws and strategy.

Starlink in Seychelles: The government has opened the telecom market to Elon Musk’s Starlink, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority confirming it will operate under local rules and consumer protection requirements, aiming to boost connectivity for remote areas and businesses. Tourism Airlift: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights from Addis Ababa to Mahé from 1 December 2026, adding 1,000+ weekly seats and stronger Star Alliance connections. Blue Economy & Shipping: Transport Minister Ricardo de Abreu defended Angola’s push to consolidate maritime and port investments, citing the need for clearer roles and stronger port-state principles as it updates its national maritime strategy. Yachting Emissions: SEA Index CO₂ certification expanded beyond superyachts to cover more recreational boats, including smaller vessels and catamarans, with new models developed with Lloyd’s Register. Commonwealth Games (Seychelles in action): In Glasgow, Seychelles swimmers were listed in the mixed 4×100 free relay prelims, while the opening ceremony featured Seychelles’ King’s Baton bearer Adam Moncherry. Crypto shake-up: BitMEX, owned by Seychelles-based HDR Global Trading, announced it will shut down on 23 September 2026, ending its 11-year run and moving users to reduce-only before final closure.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Seychelles swimmers are set for the mixed 4×100 free relay heats, with Iwan Chang Lai Seng, Amos Ferly, Dorianne Bristol and Aaliyah Palestrini listed in Heat 1, Lane 3. Aviation & Tourism: Ethiopian Airlines will add double-daily flights from Addis Ababa to Mahé from 1 December 2026, boosting seats and strengthening Seychelles’ global connections. Telecoms & Digital Economy: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ market, with the soft launch at State House and authorization under SCRA rules—aimed at improving connectivity for remote areas, tourism and businesses. Crypto & Finance (Seychelles-linked): BitMEX, owned by Seychelles-based HDR Global Trading, will shut down on 23 September 2026, with users told to close positions and withdraw funds. Environment & Yachting: SEA Index® expands CO₂ certification to more recreational boats, including vessels from 10 metres, with Seychelles among the network locations. Regional Governance: SADC announces an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election, with deployment and training dates set.

Starlink in Seychelles: The satellite internet service has moved from soft launch to operational status, with Starlink now authorized under Seychelles’ telecom rules—aimed at boosting reliable connectivity for remote areas, tourism operators, schools and businesses. Aviation Boost: Ethiopian Airlines begins double-daily Addis Ababa–Mahé flights from December 1, adding 1,000+ weekly seats and stronger Star Alliance connections. Blue Economy & Tourism Tech: SEA Index® expands CO₂ certification to more recreational boats (including vessels from 10 metres and catamarans), with Seychelles in the network footprint. Crypto & Regulation Watch: Seychelles-based HDR Global’s BitMEX will shut down permanently on September 23, while Bitget—also Seychelles-linked—adds New Zealand licensing for forex, transfers and custody. Regional Governance & Justice: Eastern African prosecutors start coordinated training to tackle crypto crime, and SADC announces an observer mission to Zambia’s August 13 election. Local Spotlight: Seychelles’ Praslin is highlighted by Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List as “Best for Nature Lovers.”

Telecom Shake-up: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles after a soft launch at State House, with the SCRA saying the satellite broadband operator is authorised under local rules—aimed at boosting reliability for remote areas and maritime, tourism and education needs. Green Shipping Push: The SEA Index® (Yacht Club de Monaco) has expanded its CO₂ certification to smaller recreational boats from 10 metres, including production monohulls and catamarans up to 35 metres, with Lloyd’s Register support. Crypto & Regulation: Eastern African prosecutors are training together in Nairobi to tackle crypto crime, while Seychelles-based Bitget has registered as a Financial Services Provider in New Zealand, adding an official dispute-resolution route for customers. Tourism & Travel: G Adventures is adding 16 new trips to its Geluxe Collection, including seven coastal adventures, as demand grows for active, sea-focused holidays. Air Connectivity: Air Seychelles has signed to lease two Airbus A321XLRs, targeting delivery in 2028 to expand beyond its regional network. Commonwealth Games: Seychelles’ Adam Moncherry carried the King’s Baton at Glasgow’s opening ceremony, as the Games begin indoors at the OVO Hydro.

Starlink Lands in Seychelles: The government has opened the telecom market to Elon Musk’s Starlink, with a soft launch at State House and Starlink authorised under SCRA rules—aimed at boosting reliable broadband for remote areas, tourism, schools and businesses. Crypto Crime Crackdown (Region): Eastern African prosecutors began a five-day training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-linked fraud, money laundering and cross-border financial crimes. Seychelles Forex & Digital Finance Watch: Bitget, a Seychelles-linked exchange, has registered as a Financial Services Provider in New Zealand, expanding its compliance footprint and dispute resolution access for customers. Range-Trading Buzz: Zoomex launched Contract Grid, a crypto trading tool designed to profit during sideways markets—built around automated buys and sells within set price ranges. Yachting Emissions Rules Expand: The Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index widened CO₂ certification to include recreational boats from 10 metres, with Seychelles among the network locations. Tourism Spotlight: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List puts Praslin, Seychelles, among the fastest-rising island destinations, flagged as “Best for Nature Lovers.” Power Cuts Elsewhere, Context for Islanders: Cyprus activated rotating load-shedding groups due to supply deficits, underscoring how grid stress can quickly translate into daily-life disruptions.

Starlink in Seychelles: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay says Starlink’s satellite internet went live on 18 July, after the government granted the ISP licence in February—aimed at improving connectivity across the archipelago’s 115 islands. Maritime & tourism spotlight: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List puts Praslin, Seychelles, among the “fast-rising” islands, while Saint Lucia tops the overall ranking—another reminder that Seychelles tourism is staying on the global radar. Blue economy ties: A report on PM Modi’s 27–29 June visit highlights 19 India–Seychelles outcomes across development finance, digital payments, maritime cooperation and agriculture, with potential for stronger implementation. Crypto security warning: Three men jailed in London for a fake-police crypto scam that stole over £4m, including spending trips that reportedly included the Seychelles—fuel for renewed calls to watch for urgent “transfer to a secure account” tricks. Energy reliability: Cyprus activated rotating load-shedding groups after severe demand, with a published list of affected areas—useful context as Seychelles continues to manage power stability. Reef education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach coral restoration and responsible reef tourism.

Starlink in Seychelles: Seychelles’ satellite internet service went live on July 18, with Vice President Sebastien Pillay saying Starlink can now offer broadband across the archipelago’s 115 islands—aiming to boost connectivity quality for remote communities, tourism operators and maritime users. Tourism spotlight for Praslin: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List puts Praslin, Seychelles among the fast-rising island picks, with the Seychelles tourism brand getting a global visibility boost as searches and social buzz climb. Electricity stress abroad: Cyprus has started rotating power cuts in grouped areas after demand outstripped generation capacity, with authorities publishing full district lists—another reminder of how energy shortages can quickly spill into daily life. Travel access lists: Henley data says Nigerians can travel to 44 destinations without pre-arranging a visa, and South Africa’s visa-free rules show Seychelles among the limited African countries eligible for up to 90 days. Local environment & jobs: Seychelles-linked talks include exploring candlenut cultivation on post-mining lands in Berau, while Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers brought coral restoration lessons to Praslin schoolchildren.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Seychelles has signed a lease for two Airbus A321XLR jets from SMBC Aviation Capital, with the first delivery due in 2028, aiming to strengthen Seychelles’ global connectivity and reach key international source markets. Regional Mobility: Russia has expanded visa-free travel deals with African nations, including Seychelles, for short stays—part of Moscow’s push to deepen trade, education and diplomatic ties. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” puts Praslin in the Seychelles among destinations seeing rising travel interest, as island searches jump worldwide. Blue Economy & Diplomacy: A new analysis highlights how India-Seychelles cooperation from PM Modi’s June 2026 visit is targeting blue economy opportunities across maritime, digital payments and development finance. Local Business & Tech: Excent Capital has partnered with BridgeWise to offer free AI-powered market analysis on its Seychelles-based trading platform. Marine Conservation: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach coral reef protection and restoration, including hands-on reef star coral restoration.

Aviation & Tourism Links: The Maldives and Ethiopia have signed a bilateral air services agreement to enable scheduled direct flight connectivity, with Ethiopian Airlines and Maldivian airlines set to operate services between Addis Ababa and the Maldives—an effort to boost tourism, business travel, and trade. Visa Access for Seychellois Travellers: Russia has expanded visa-free travel deals with African nations, now including Seychelles for short stays, as Moscow pushes wider cooperation across trade, education, security and diplomacy. Seychelles in the Spotlight for Island Tourism: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” puts Praslin in the Seychelles among the fast-rising island destinations, as global searches for islands jump and travellers look beyond traditional hotspots. Regional Trade & Business: PACCI has elected Tanzania’s Vincent Minja as Vice President for the East African region, representing Seychelles among 14 countries to strengthen intra-African trade and investment. Marine Conservation Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to train young “ocean guardians” on coral reefs and hands-on restoration using reef stars.

Seychelles-ASEAN Tourism Links: Seychelles is exploring partnerships to develop Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs, with the Seychelles President’s Special Envoy to ASEAN, Nico Barito, visiting the site after renovation and strong visitor numbers. Regional Business Leadership: Tanzania’s Vincent Minja was elected PACCI Vice President for the East African region, with Seychelles named among the 14 countries he will represent. Seychelles in Digital Finance Debate: A new analysis looks at how digital finance could help Seychelles modernise its financial services and reduce tourism-linked vulnerabilities. Ocean Conservation Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach coral reef protection and hands-on restoration methods. Crypto & Trading Tech (Global, with Seychelles angle): Bitget announced new trading integrations and products, while Excent Capital partnered with BridgeWise to offer free AI-powered market analysis to traders. Visa/Travel Watch: Spain’s latest visa-free list includes Seychelles, and Romania also lists Seychelles for visa-free entry—both with short-stay limits.