AGP Executive Report

Cost of Living: Seychelles ranked Africa’s most expensive country in the 2026 index, with a score of 64.5; reliance on imported food and essentials was cited as a key factor. Growth Outlook: The IMF’s latest forecast places Seychelles among five sub-Saharan economies expected to grow more slowly than Lesotho’s projected 1.1% in 2026, signalling a subdued outlook. Tourism: G Adventures named Seychelles among eight destinations to watch in 2027, highlighting continued international interest in the islands. Financial Services: Seychelles-registered Bitget expanded its tokenized U.S. stock investment products and has agreed to buy a licensed Thai digital-asset exchange, pending regulatory approval.

Financial Services: Seychelles-registered Bitget has expanded its investment products to include tokenized U.S. shares, following its planned acquisition of a Thai digital-asset exchange, subject to regulatory approval. Tourism: Seychelles features among eight destinations G Adventures expects to draw travellers in 2027, with the operator promoting experiences that direct tourism spending to local communities. Economic Outlook: The IMF places Seychelles among five sub-Saharan economies with the weakest growth forecasts for 2026, though the report provided no country-specific figure in its summary. Blue Economy: A regional conservation appeal says Western Indian Ocean ecosystems underpin food security, livelihoods, trade and tourism, and calls for cross-border cooperation and financing to protect them. Business Climate: Seychelles ranked second in Africa and 35th globally in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 economic-freedom index, based on 2024 data.

Growth Outlook: The IMF’s October forecast places Seychelles among just five sub-Saharan economies expected to grow more slowly in 2026 than Lesotho, forecast at 1.1% — a warning sign for the island’s near-term economy. Business Climate: Seychelles ranks 35th globally for economic freedom, second in Africa behind Mauritius, according to the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report. The country also recorded 100% electricity access in a regional ranking. Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean governance at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, keeping cooperation on shared marine resources in focus. Marine Tourism: Cape Town is investing in new superyacht berths and luxury facilities as Southern Africa competes for high-spending visitors; a two-week visit by a $50 million yacht is estimated to generate $105,000–$330,000 in local spending.

Economic Outlook: Seychelles is among only five sub-Saharan economies with a weaker 2026 growth forecast than Lesotho’s 1.1%, according to the IMF’s October outlook; the article gives no Seychelles-specific growth figure. Travel: Etihad Guest members can book award flights to or from Seychelles for 40% fewer miles in economy or business class, with bookings open until 31 October and travel through 15 December. Thailand has also approved new visa rules that would give Seychellois visitors a 15-day visa-free stay, down from the current 60 days. Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean governance at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, backing stronger cooperation, sustainable financing and protection of marine resources tied to island livelihoods and the economy. Business Climate: The Fraser Institute ranks Seychelles second in Africa for economic freedom, at 35th globally, while a separate 2026 ranking puts the country among six African nations with full electricity access.

Market Access: Seychelles ranks 35th worldwide for economic freedom and second in Africa, behind Mauritius, in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report, which uses 2024 data. The country also recorded 100% electricity access, placing it among six African nations at full coverage. Ocean Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean governance and sustainable blue-economy financing at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12. A report on Aldabra’s recovering green sea turtles notes that conservation gains remain incomplete. Business: Seychelles-registered crypto exchange Bitget has agreed to acquire a licensed Thai digital-asset platform, subject to regulatory approval. Travel: Etihad Guest members can book discounted award flights to Seychelles from Abu Dhabi through October 31, with travel available until December 15, 2026. Thailand’s revised visa rules also give Seychellois travellers visa-free stays of up to 15 days. Global Finance: A new report says Sub-Saharan Africa holds only about a quarter of the IMF voting power its population share would warrant.

Travel Links: Etihad Guest members can book Seychelles flights to or from Abu Dhabi at 40% fewer miles through October 31, with discounted economy and business awards available for travel through December 15. Financial Services: Seychelles-registered Bitget has agreed to buy a licensed Thai digital-asset exchange, pending regulatory approval, giving it a potential foothold in Thailand. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranks 35th worldwide and second in Africa in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 economic freedom report, behind Mauritius; the assessment uses 2024 data. Blue Economy: At the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, Seychelles renewed its call for regional ocean cooperation and sustainable financing, priorities closely tied to the country’s marine economy.

Travel Deals: Etihad Guest members can book Seychelles flights from Abu Dhabi at up to 40% off award fares through October 31, with travel permitted until December 15. Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean protection and sustainable marine livelihoods at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, where countries discussed conservation and financing for the Western Indian Ocean. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranked 35th globally in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 economic freedom report, second in Africa after Mauritius; the assessment draws on 2024 data. Business Infrastructure: The country was among six African nations reporting 100% electricity access in 2026 rankings, a key foundation for businesses and investment. Tourism and Mobility: Thailand’s revised entry rules give Seychellois visitors visa-free stays of up to 15 days, while Seychelles is also among the countries offering South Africans a remote-work stay programme.

Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean governance at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, calling for stronger partnerships, sustainable financing and protection of marine resources that support livelihoods and the blue economy. Financial Services: Seychelles-registered Bitget has agreed to acquire a licensed Thai digital-asset exchange, giving it a route into Thailand’s market. The deal awaits regulatory approval, and Bitget has not disclosed its stake in the acquiring company. Business Climate: Seychelles ranked second in Africa and 35th globally for economic freedom in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report, behind Mauritius. The country also recorded full electricity access in a 2026 continental ranking, an important foundation for businesses and investment.

Travel Access: Thailand’s revised visa rules give Seychellois visitors a 15-day visa-free stay, down from 60 days, potentially affecting trip planning and tourism links. Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its ocean-protection and sustainable-finance priorities at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, where regional governments adopted 15 decisions to advance protection and sustainable development in the Western Indian Ocean. Financial Compliance: Seychelles-based crypto exchange MEXC is ending services for users in Russia and Belarus, citing global compliance. Separately, reporting on a Russian sanctions-evasion network names Seychelles among countries where its front companies operate, underscoring compliance risks for financial businesses. Business Climate: Seychelles recorded 100% electricity access in a 2026 African ranking, while a lifestyle index placed it 12th globally—factors that can support its appeal to investors and professionals.

Infrastructure: Seychelles recorded 100% electricity access in the latest African rankings, alongside Mauritius and four other countries. Financial Services: Seychelles-based crypto exchange MEXC is ending services for users in Russia and Belarus, citing global compliance requirements; affected customers will be notified about closing positions and withdrawing assets. Blue Economy: At the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, Seychelles reaffirmed regional cooperation on ocean protection and sustainable financing. The conference adopted 15 decisions aimed at advancing marine conservation and the Western Indian Ocean’s blue economy. Tourism: New precautionary rules require foreign nationals with recent travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to Seychelles; no Ebola cases had been reported locally.

Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its push for regional ocean protection and sustainable marine livelihoods at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, where delegates adopted 15 decisions to advance action across the Western Indian Ocean. Financial Services: Seychelles-based crypto exchange MEXC is ending services for users in Russia and Belarus, citing global compliance requirements; affected customers will be notified about deadlines to close positions and withdraw assets. Tourism and Health: Visitors with recent travel history in the Democratic Republic of Congo must spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to Seychelles, under tightened Ebola precautions. Investment Appeal: Seychelles ranked 12th globally and highest in Africa in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, which assessed factors including taxes, safety, infrastructure and ease of residency.

Blue Economy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional ocean protection at COP12 of the Nairobi Convention, where countries adopted 15 decisions to advance conservation and sustainable development in the Western Indian Ocean. Financial Services: Seychelles-based crypto exchange MEXC is ending services for users in Russia and Belarus from October 20, citing global compliance requirements; affected customers will receive withdrawal instructions. Investment Appeal: Seychelles ranked 12th worldwide and top in Africa in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, which assessed tax, safety, residency, climate and infrastructure. Tourism: Visitors with recent travel history in the Democratic Republic of Congo must spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to Seychelles, under tightened Ebola precautions. Conservation: A programme is underway on Alphonse Atoll to remove invasive animals and support native wildlife recovery. Financial Transparency: Seychelles is among the jurisdictions expected to automatically exchange financial account information with the UK under the 2026 Common Reporting Standard.

Investment Appeal: Seychelles ranked 12th worldwide and first in Africa in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, scoring strongly on tax, safety and climate—factors that may appeal to entrepreneurs and professionals considering a move. Travel Rules: Visitors with recent travel history in the Democratic Republic of Congo must spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to Seychelles amid an Ebola outbreak; no local cases had been reported as of October 19. Digital Economy: A Seychelles company controlled by businessman Lu Heng filed 10 of Africa’s 16 applications in ICANN’s next domain-name round, linking the country to a wider debate over control of internet resources and AFRINIC. Tourism Legacy: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel, whose work helped build the islands’ tourism industry and promoted conservation. Conservation: A new programme on Alphonse aims to remove invasive animals and help restore native wildlife, supporting the health of an atoll central to the country’s nature-based tourism.

Investment Appeal: Seychelles ranked 12th globally in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, leading Africa with a score of 64.46. The ranking weighs taxes, safety, climate, residency options and infrastructure—factors that can shape decisions by entrepreneurs and investors. Travel & Health: Visitors with recent travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo must spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to Seychelles, as authorities respond to the Ebola outbreak. No cases had been reported locally as of October 19. Digital Finance: Seychelles-headquartered Bitget says it will end services for some users in a one-off move, with affected customers to receive withdrawal instructions. The exchange says funds remain safe; the announcement follows a major security breach and comes amid tighter global regulatory demands. Tourism: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel, whose work helped build the country’s tourism industry and linked hospitality with conservation. Internet Business: A Seychelles company controlled by businessman Lu Heng submitted 10 of Africa’s 16 applications in ICANN’s new domain-name round. The report also links Heng to Cloud Innovation, which has called for AFRINIC, Africa’s internet-address registry, to be wound up.

Tourism & Health: Seychelles is requiring foreign travellers with recent Democratic Republic of Congo travel to spend at least 21 days outside the country before arrival, as Ebola precautions tighten; no cases had been reported locally. Financial Services: FxPro plans to transfer its Cyprus client book to Capital.com, subject to approval. The group retains its Seychelles licence, with no change announced to its wider strategy. Digital Investment: Airtel Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to Seychelles’ digital transformation through 5G investment. Island Conservation: A programme on Alphonse is removing invasive rats, mice, cats and chickens to help native wildlife recover. Tourism Legacy: Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a pioneer of Seychelles tourism, has died aged 82. Trade: Seychelles is among the countries reporting food waste above 210kg per person annually, while a first shipment of dried sea cucumber to China has left under a zero-tariff arrangement.

Trade: Seychelles marked the first shipment of dried sea cucumber to China under zero-tariff terms, opening a new route for exporters. Financial Compliance: A Russian-backed sanctions-evasion network reportedly operates through front companies in Seychelles; investigators traced more than US$6.9 billion in payments, underscoring the need for careful checks by banks and payment firms. Digital Finance: Seychelles-headquartered Bitget will end services for some users in a one-off move, saying affected clients can withdraw their funds as the exchange faces tighter regulatory pressure. Blue Economy: Nairobi Convention members adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean, with Seychelles among the 10 parties. Island Conservation: A programme on Alphonse is removing rats, mice, feral cats and chickens that threaten native wildlife and ecosystems. Food Systems: Seychelles was among countries reporting food waste above 210kg per person annually, highlighting a challenge for household budgets and food security.