AGP Executive Report

Crypto & Courts: A Seychelles court ruling against KuCoin over delisted tokens is reigniting investor pressure, with a Swiss claimant saying the exchange still hasn’t paid a Supreme Court award of more than $2m after declaring tokens “abandoned.” Seychelles 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 goals. Trade & Integration: Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA country impact assessment report, with Seychelles named among the pilot countries, aiming to map export potential and value-add opportunities. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, stressing institutional foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability for island destinations. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes and adds routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, alongside Kigali, Marrakesh and Port Sudan. Digital Markets: Bitget expanded US stock access with free Level 2 market data and launched new trading initiatives, while BitMart says its SpaceX-linked bSPCX allocation is now tradable for IPOPrime subscribers. Parliament & Energy: Seychelles National Assembly will end Wednesday sittings earlier to align with energy conservation measures.

Health & Maternal Care: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick visit to screen for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B with rapid results—aimed at accelerating the “triple elimination” push. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council, backing stronger institutions, collaboration, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Trade & Regional Integration: Namibia launched its AIDA–AfCFTA Country Impact Assessment, with Seychelles among the pilot countries—meant to map readiness and unlock export potential and value addition under the continental trade frameworks. EU–ESA Deal: The EU concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, setting rules for services, investment and digitalisation. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes and adds summer routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from 16 June, plus new links across Africa and the Indian Ocean. Digital Finance & Markets: Bitget rolled out free Level 2 US stock market data for eligible users and launched new trading promotions, while also expanding CFD account options with a zero-fee mode. Energy & Environment: Coverage highlights ocean-focused science and policy momentum, including calls to place the ocean at the heart of COP31 climate action.

EU-ESA Trade: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules and more opportunities for services, investment and digitalisation. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted a WHO prequalified 4th-generation integrated test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, enabling triple screening in one antenatal visit. AfCFTA Readiness: Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA Country Impact Assessment report, with Seychelles named among the pilot countries using evidence to map export potential and value-chain opportunities. Parliament & Energy: Seychelles’ National Assembly will end Wednesday sittings earlier to support national energy conservation measures. Tourism & Connectivity: Qatar Airways restarts flights to Seychelles and adds more Africa routes in its summer schedule, boosting regional travel options. Ocean Economy: A global leaders’ letter ahead of COP31 urges placing the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the governments backing the call. Business & Tech: Bitget announced free Level 2 US stock market data for eligible users and launched its Universal Cup football campaign with a 250,000 USDT prize pool.

EU-Africa Trade: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules, more services and digital trade, and easier accession for other ESA states. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar Airways will restart Seychelles flights from June 16 (four weekly), add Kigali from the same date, resume Marrakesh on July 1, and launch Port Sudan service from July 2—boosting Indian Ocean and East Africa links. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries via a free 30-day ETA, a move meant to support tourism recovery. Ocean Economy & Climate: Global leaders issued an open letter urging COP31 to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, while Seychelles is highlighted in ocean-protection financing and governance discussions. Local Governance: Seychelles’ National Assembly will end Wednesday sittings earlier to support energy conservation, adjourning after debate on the TRNUC recommendations enforcement bill. Air Access: Aeroflot says it will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season starting July 8.

Crypto & Markets: BitMart’s inaugural IPOPrime tokenized SpaceX-linked fund bSPCX has drawn 37,000+ participants and USDT 5.5m in commitments, with the June 11 UTC deadline looming. CFD Trading Push: Bitget rolled out Zero-Fee Mode for Bitget CFD, aiming to simplify costs as daily CFD volume nears $10bn, alongside new stock spot listings. Aviation Demand: Turkish Airlines reported a record May load factor of 84% and 7.9m passengers, while it also signalled plans for ultra-long-range aircraft from late 2027. Ocean at the Centre: Global leaders issued an open letter urging COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the signatories. Seychelles Media Independence: A new bill is raising concerns about threats to the SBC’s independence, with funding and governance control cited as key risks. Tourism & Travel: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season, and Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for 40 countries (Bangladesh excluded).

EU-ESA Trade Deal: The European Commission says it has concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to deepen trade ties. Ocean Governance & Tourism: Nigeria’s ocean institutes urged more inclusive, sustainable ocean governance to unlock ocean-based growth, while Seychelles’ own conservation push is highlighted as it prepares for World Ocean Day and continues protecting over 30% of its waters. Seychelles Eco-Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report named Seychelles the world’s top eco-tourism destination in 2026, though experts note challenges like carbon emissions and water stress. Aviation Links: Aeroflot will keep regular flights to Seychelles through the summer season from July 8, using A350 aircraft. Media Independence: A new Seychelles bill is raising concerns about threats to the SBC’s independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding risks. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Seychelles among other markets. Digital Finance Security: Bitget launched Anti-Scam Month 2026, reporting $32.3m recovered for users and renewed focus on fraud prevention as platforms expand beyond crypto.

Tourism Policy: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries, effective May 25, with eligible travellers getting a free 30-day tourist ETA—while noting Seychelles is also processed free of charge. Digital Security & Finance: Bitget launched Anti-Scam Month 2026, reporting $32.3m recovered for users and major scam-prevention activity, as it expands into multi-asset trading. Seychelles Travel Connectivity: Aeroflot will continue regular summer flights to Seychelles from July 8, adding year-round momentum to the route. Hotel Loyalty Push: STORY Hospitality joined Global Hotel Alliance, bringing STORY guests access to GHA DISCOVERY rewards across 1,000+ hotels. Ocean & Eco-Tourism: Seychelles’ marine protection push and its eco-tourism ranking keep the spotlight on sustainability—while tuna recovery shows conservation can work through quotas and enforcement. Regional Trade Capacity: WCO-backed training helped build national rules-of-origin expert pools across several African states, supporting compliant use of free trade agreements. Aviation Network: Qatar Airways expands African connectivity, including restarting Seychelles flights and adding Port Sudan service.

Ocean Finance & Governance: Seychelles is highlighted for protecting over 30% of its waters, backed by a marine-focused debt conversion and ocean-dedicated bond issuance, as partners build governance bodies for long-term conservation funding ahead of Africa’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa. Eco-Tourism Reputation: Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee backdrop includes a U.S. News ranking naming it the world’s top eco-tourism destination, while the same data flags pressure points like carbon emissions and water stress. Aviation Links for Trade & Tourism: Aeroflot will keep regular summer flights to Seychelles from July 8 (Moscow–Seychelles twice weekly), while Qatar Airways resumes Seychelles service from June 16 and adds frequencies across Africa. Hotel Loyalty Expansion: STORY Hospitality is rolling out STORY DISCOVERY through GHA DISCOVERY, giving guests access to a global loyalty network across 1,000+ hotels. Trade Finance Push: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits $1bn to support trade finance across Africa, aiming to close part of the continent’s widening trade-finance gap. SBC Independence Bill: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over SBC governance and funding controls that could weaken the broadcaster’s independence. Crypto Business in Seychelles: MEXC and Bitget announce new product and security moves, including TradingView integration and anti-scam campaigns, underscoring Seychelles’ growing role in digital finance.

Ocean Conservation & Tourism: Seychelles is being spotlighted for eco-tourism leadership, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it No. 1 for eco-tourism—while a separate piece flags the hard work behind marine protection, including Seychelles’ push to protect over 30% of its waters and fund it through innovative finance. Cruise & Hospitality Deals: AROYA Cruises signs a strategic distribution partnership with Lufthansa City Center International, and STORY Hospitality expands into GHA DISCOVERY, adding global loyalty benefits for guests across destinations including Seychelles. Air Connectivity: Aeroflot confirms continued summer flights to Seychelles from July 8, and Qatar Airways adds/reshapes routes with resumed Seychelles services from June 16 plus more frequencies across Africa. Trade & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1bn to trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and guarantees to help close the continent’s trade-finance gap. Seychelles Governance Watch: A new bill is raising concerns about threats to SBC independence, with worries over governance and funding control. Sports & Business: Team Seychelles secures a place in the SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong qualifier performances.

Seychelles–Russia Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russia has long treated Seychelles as an equal partner, citing training exchanges for athletes and Russian investment in local infrastructure. Seychelles Media Independence: A new bill is raising alarms over SBC independence, with concerns about governance and funding controls that could pressure the public broadcaster. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes Seychelles flights from June 16 and adds regional capacity, including a new Port Sudan service from July 2—good news for travel and trade links. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1bn to expand trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and guarantees to strengthen regional value chains. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa director of regional operations, covering Seychelles among other markets. Crypto & Payments in Seychelles: MEXC integrates with TradingView for direct chart-based trading, while Fusion Markets expands to 24/7 payment processing; Bitget launches Anti-Scam Month and affiliate promotions. Local Sports Spotlight: Team Seychelles (Vann Swet) secures a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong qualifier performances. Tourism Policy Watch: Sweden urges the EU to tighten Russian tourist visa rules, while World Tourism Network warns broad bans could hurt tourism’s role in dialogue.

SBC Independence Under Threat: A new Seychelles bill raises alarms over the funding and governance of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, with critics warning it could weaken SBC’s independence and ability to act as a watchdog. Russia-Seychelles Sports Ties: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting athlete training, coach development and Russian investment in sports infrastructure. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sri Lanka waives tourist visa fees for 40 countries but leaves Bangladesh out, while Sweden pushes the EU to tighten Schengen tourist visa rules for Russian citizens. Trade & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1 billion to expand trade finance across Africa, aiming to close the continent’s widening trade-finance gap. Afreximbank Appointment: Afreximbank names Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Seychelles among other markets. Crypto Payments Push: Seychelles-based Fusion Markets expands payment processing to 24/7, cutting weekend withdrawal delays; MEXC and Bitget also roll out new trading and anti-scam initiatives. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes flights to Seychelles and adds Port Sudan service, boosting regional connectivity for both passengers and trade.

Tourism & Travel: Qatar Airways is restarting Seychelles flights from June 16 and adding more African frequencies, including a new Port Sudan service from July 2—an expansion aimed at boosting connectivity for trade and passengers. Media Freedom: A new bill in Seychelles is raising alarms over SBC independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding controls that could weaken the public broadcaster’s autonomy. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa director of regional operations, strengthening the bank’s client and trade-finance push across 13 countries including Seychelles. Trade Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledges US$1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and guarantees to help close the continent’s widening trade-finance gap. Digital Economy: MEXC and TradingView integration lets users trade crypto directly from charts, while Fusion Markets moves withdrawals to 24/7 processing. Energy Risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add about US$20.4bn a year to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills, hitting import-dependent states hardest. Local Spotlight: Praslin’s pace and character are highlighted in a fresh lifestyle travel piece, while Seychelles’ sailing team Vann Swet secures a place in the SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after qualifiers in Switzerland.

Media Freedom in Seychelles: A new bill on the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) is raising alarms over governance and funding, with critics warning that discretionary spending limits and non-guaranteed National Assembly funding could be used to pressure an independent public broadcaster. Regional Finance: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Seychelles and 12 other countries, as the bank continues expanding trade and project financing. Trade & Connectivity: Mauritius Commercial Bank says it will commit $1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, aiming to ease the continent’s persistent trade-finance gap. Aviation & Standards: ICAO’s regional workshop in Eswatini brought together aviation regulators from 12 African countries including Seychelles to discuss new runway and pavement rating standards to support safer, more efficient air infrastructure. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sweden is pushing the EU to tighten tourist visa rules for Russian citizens, arguing for security while the World Tourism Network warns broad bans could harm tourism’s role in dialogue. Seychelles in Sport: Seychelles secured a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong performances at the Africa and Oceania qualifiers in Switzerland. Crypto & Payments (Seychelles-linked): Victoria-based MEXC has integrated with TradingView to let users trade directly from charts, while Fusion Markets expanded payment processing to 24/7 with faster withdrawals.

SBC Independence Under Threat: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a newly gazetted SBC Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, especially through proposed governance changes and looser funding protections. Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Seychelles and 12 other countries, as the bank continues expanding trade and project finance. Crypto Trading Push (Seychelles-based): MEXC has integrated with TradingView, letting users execute crypto trades directly from charts, while other Seychelles-linked crypto firms continue rolling out payment and product upgrades. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes and adds flights including Seychelles from June 16, boosting regional links and passenger capacity. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and related tools to ease the continent’s trade-finance gap. Regional Energy Risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn annually to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with major pressure on small island states. Sports & Local Spotlight: Seychelles secured a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong performances in the Africa and Oceania qualifiers in Switzerland.

Public Broadcasting Watch: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a newly gazetted SBC bill could weaken the broadcaster’s independence, flagging governance and funding controls that may give the Executive more influence. Afreximbank Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of Southern Africa operations, covering Seychelles and 12 other countries, after roles in West Africa and major project financing. Aviation & Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes Seychelles flights from June 16 and adds regional capacity, including new Port Sudan service from July 2, citing demand for trade and connectivity. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, aiming to close part of the continent’s large trade-finance gap. Energy Shock Warning: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, hitting SIDS and LDCs hardest. Crypto Payments & Trading: Seychelles-based Fusion Markets moves to 24/7 payment processing; MEXC and BitMEX push deeper TradingView and fiat on/off-ramp integrations, while Bitget launches anti-scam and tokenized-stock upgrades. Tourism & Nature: World Environment Day coverage argues destinations are shifting from “green” marketing to treating nature as core infrastructure for resilient tourism.

SBC Governance: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a new SBC Bill could weaken its independence, warning that proposed changes would shift more appointment power toward the Executive. Crypto Trading in Seychelles: MEXC, based in Victoria, integrated with TradingView so users can place spot and perpetual trades directly from charts. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes flights to Seychelles and adds frequencies across Africa, including a new Port Sudan service from July 2. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank commits US$1 billion to expand trade finance across Africa, targeting letters of credit and guarantees to support intra-Africa trade. Cross-Border Payments: BitMEX expands fiat on/off-ramps via Banxa, adding more payment methods and fiat currencies for faster conversions. Energy Shock Watch: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, hitting many SIDS and LDCs hardest. Regional Mobility: Togo and Ghana move to visa-free entry for all Africans, adding to Seychelles and other countries already adopting similar policies. Aviation Standards: ICAO regional workshop in Eswatini discusses new aircraft pavement and classification rating standards, with Seychelles among participating countries.