AGP Executive Report

Tourism Recovery: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates Airline have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks focused on boosting connectivity, joint marketing and visitor growth in the wake of recent geopolitical disruptions. National Celebrations & Food Industry: The Local Food Fest 2026 is set to run for four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman, expanding its programme for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations and spotlighting locally sourced Creole-inspired food and drink across tourism and hospitality partners. Marine Conservation & Fisheries: A new study warns that abandoned drifting tuna fishing gear (FADs) is damaging coral reefs and harming wildlife, with many FADs entering marine protected areas despite bans. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles also strengthened Indian Ocean tourism ties at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, pushing sustainable growth and better connectivity. Agribusiness Opportunity: A feature highlights how greenhouse vegetable farming is emerging as a high-value, climate-resilient growth path for Seychelles’ agriculture and food security. Fuel Costs Watch: Even after oil prices eased following the Strait of Hormuz tensions, Africa’s retail fuel costs remain high, with relief slow to reach consumers. Digital Finance (Seychelles-linked): EDENA and Cantor8 launched Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented African financial systems while keeping national control over assets. Hospitality Tech & Loyalty: DB Investing (Seychelles-based broker) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active clients daily promotional credits on free cash balances tied to qualifying trades.

Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates Airline have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks focused on tourism recovery, stronger connectivity, and joint marketing to help rebuild visitor arrivals post-geopolitical disruptions. Marine Conservation: A new study warns that abandoned tuna fishing gear—drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs)—is damaging coral reefs and harming wildlife, including inside marine protected areas, even after bans on certain FAD designs. Food & Local Industry: The Local Food Fest 2026 is expanding to four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, spotlighting Creole cuisine and bringing together tourism, hospitality, and cultural partners. Agribusiness: High-value greenhouse vegetable farming is highlighted as a fast-growing opportunity in Seychelles, pointing to protected cultivation like greenhouses and hydroponics for better yields and food security. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles also strengthened Indian Ocean trade and tourism ties at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, pushing connectivity and sustainable growth. Fuel Costs Watch: Even after oil prices eased following the Strait of Hormuz tensions, Africa’s retail fuel costs remain high due to structural market constraints.

Tourism Recovery: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks focused on boosting connectivity, joint marketing and visitor growth despite recent geopolitical shocks. National Celebrations & Food Industry: The Local Food Fest 2026 expands to four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, with more culinary, cultural and tourism-linked activities. Agribusiness: A new push for high-value greenhouse vegetable farming highlights protected cultivation as a growth path for Seychelles’ food security and entrepreneur opportunities. Digital Finance & Sovereign Infrastructure: EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 unveiled Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented African financial systems while keeping national control. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles strengthened Indian Ocean trade and connectivity efforts at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar. Broker Promotions (Local Finance): DB Investing (Seychelles-based) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances. Hospitality Innovation: Avani Hotels & Resorts rolled out the Avani Book Club, linking stays across the Indian Ocean and beyond with destination-themed reading experiences.

Tourism Recovery: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates Airline have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks focused on boosting connectivity, joint marketing and visitor growth as travel demand rebuilds post-geopolitical shocks. National Celebrations & Food Industry: The Local Food Fest 2026 is expanding to four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman for Seychelles’ 50th Independence Golden Jubilee, with more culinary, cultural and tourism-linked activities to spotlight local produce and Creole flavours. Agribusiness: A new push for high-value greenhouse vegetable farming is gaining traction in Seychelles, pointing to protected cultivation and hydroponics as a route to stronger yields, climate resilience and food security. Regional Tourism Trade: Seychelles also strengthened Indian Ocean tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, focusing on sustainable growth, trade engagement and better connectivity. Digital Finance & Infrastructure: EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 unveiled Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented African financial systems while keeping national control over assets. Broker Promotions (Local Finance): Seychelles-based DB Investing launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active clients daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances tied to trading activity.

Tourism Recovery: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates Airline have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks on boosting connectivity, joint marketing and visitor growth following recent travel disruptions. National Celebrations & Food: The Local Food Fest 2026 is expanding to four days (June 26–29) at Roche Caiman for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, with more culinary, cultural and community activities. Agribusiness Opportunity: A new focus on high-value greenhouse vegetable farming is gaining traction in Seychelles, pointing to greenhouses, shade houses and hydroponics as a path to stronger yields and food security. Regional Tourism Trade: Seychelles is strengthening Indian Ocean tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, pushing sustainable growth and better connectivity. Digital Finance & Sovereignty: EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 launched Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting Africa’s fragmented financial systems while keeping national control. Broker Promotions: DB Investing (Seychelles-based) rolled out “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances.

Digital Finance & Trade: EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 unveiled Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented African financial systems while keeping national control over assets. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles reinforced regional tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, pushing joint marketing, sustainability and better Indian Ocean connectivity. Agribusiness: A new focus on high-value greenhouse vegetable farming is gaining traction in Seychelles, with protected cultivation (greenhouses, shade houses, hydroponics and vertical farming) positioned as a route to stronger yields and food security. Environment & Development: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO to act over a reported Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on Assomption Island, citing risks to nearby Aldabra’s fragile ecosystem. Hospitality: Avani Hotels & Resorts launched the Avani Book Club, bringing destination-linked reading lists and in-hotel book experiences to properties across the Indian Ocean and beyond. Local Finance Promotion: DB Investing (Seychelles-based) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances.

Agribusiness Opportunity: Seychelles is seeing fresh momentum in high-value greenhouse vegetable farming, with protected cultivation like greenhouses, shade houses, hydroponics and vertical farming pitched as a more climate-resilient route to profit and stronger food security. Maritime Recognition: Chief Petty Officer Vanessa Toohey received the Conspicuous Service Medal for devotion to duty as a supply chain specialist supporting naval operations, highlighting the role of logistics in defence readiness. Finance & Trading: FP Markets was named “Most Reliable Broker” and “Most Trusted Broker” at the Global UF Awards 2026 in Cyprus, reinforcing its push on transparency and client support. Tourism Trade: Seychelles strengthened regional tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, focusing on connectivity and trade partnerships. Seychelles Environment Watch: A report alleges environmental risks from a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on Assomption Island near Aldabra, urging UNESCO action. Local Finance Promotion: DB Investing (Seychelles-based) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances.

Hospitality & Tourism: Avani Hotels & Resorts rolled out its Avani Book Club, with destination-linked reading lists, book corners and author-led events across 15 properties in Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Local Environment & Heritage: Friends of Aldabra is pushing UNESCO to act over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel project on Assomption Island, warning it could endanger nearby Aldabra Atoll; a Seychelles Commission of Inquiry report cited environmental risk and institutional failure. Maritime & Trade Oversight: The UK detained the Russian shadow-fleet tanker SMYRTOS in British waters for the first time, with Seychelles-linked shipping firms named in management history. Industry Policy & Public Health: Kenya’s tobacco and nicotine tax coalition urged Parliament to fast-track the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill as youth vaping and emerging nicotine products spread into schools. Seychelles Business & Finance: DB Investing (Seychelles-based) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances. Digital Assets & Payments: Bitget added Re Protocol (RE) and Bluwhale AI (BLUAI) for spot trading, while also expanding stablecoin merchant payments via a Paydify partnership.

Web3 & Crypto Market Access: XT Exchange (Seychelles) welcomed BTXX, the utility token of BTX, into its Innovation Zone, adding the BTXX/USDT pair on Polygon as BTX pushes an AI + Web3 ecosystem with staking and on-chain utility. Broker Promotions: DB Investing (Seychelles-based) launched “Real Interest,” offering eligible active traders daily promotional credits on qualifying free cash balances at an 8% annualised rate, credited only on trading days. DeFi Spot Listings: Bitget added o1.exchange’s O token for spot trading in its DeFi Zone, while also listing AIVIVE (AVV) in its AI zone—both with defined trading start and withdrawal dates. Seychelles Court & Crypto Compliance: A Seychelles court order has renewed scrutiny on KuCoin after a Swiss investor claims the exchange still hasn’t paid a Supreme Court award of over $2M tied to delisted CHP tokens. Environment & Blue Economy Risk: Friends of Aldabra is urging UNESCO action over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on Assomption Island, warning of threats to nearby Aldabra Atoll and calling for the issue to be raised at the World Heritage Committee. Maritime Cooperation: India’s INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria, highlighting growing India–Seychelles maritime security and ship maintenance cooperation. Chemicals Management Capacity: Seychelles strengthened its ability to identify and manage hazardous chemicals through a UNDP/GEF-backed training workshop with the Ministry of Environment.

Tobacco Control Push: Kenya’s Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition and partners urged Parliament to fast-track the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2024, warning that vapes and nicotine pouches are spreading into schools and homes, including a reported vape found at Moi High School Kabarak. Maritime & Defence Links: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked in Port Victoria, Seychelles, as part of ongoing South West Indian Ocean cooperation, with planned meetings to deepen maritime security and bilateral ties. Local Environment Watch: Seychelles faces fresh scrutiny over hazardous chemicals capacity-building, while a separate report flags environmental risks from a Qatari-backed ultra-luxury hotel project on Assomption Island near Aldabra, urging UNESCO action. Trade & Industry Capacity: Seychelles strengthens its ability to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a two-day UNDP-supported training workshop under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project. Tourism Growth Signal: Seychelles is cited among Africa’s tourism standouts, with a reported +13% performance in 2025 international arrivals. Crypto & Finance (Seychelles-based firms): DB Investing, a Seychelles-based broker, launched its “Real Interest” campaign offering daily promotional credits on eligible free cash balances for active traders. Legal Pressure on Exchanges: A Seychelles court judgment tied to delisted CHP tokens has renewed attention on KuCoin, with a Swiss investor alleging a payment of over $2M remains unpaid. Hospitality Talent Moves: Langham Hospitality Group appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA to drive new hotel and branded residence contracts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Seychelles Court & Crypto Custody: A Seychelles Supreme Court ruling has put KuCoin back under scrutiny after a Swiss investor says the exchange still hasn’t paid over $2M tied to 21 million delisted CHP tokens, with the court rejecting KuCoin’s “abandoned property” argument. Maritime & Defence: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, underscoring growing India–Seychelles maritime cooperation and planned talks on security and bilateral ties. Environment & Chemicals: Seychelles is building capacity to identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals through a two-day UNDP-supported training workshop under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project. Blue Economy & Heritage: A new push is calling on UNESCO to address environmental risks from a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel development on Assomption Island, near Aldabra, after a Seychelles Commission of Inquiry report flagged institutional failures. Trade & Regional Policy: A wider AfCFTA debate argues the deal can’t deliver without freer movement of people as Africa “turns on itself,” with heads of state set to meet in Egypt later this month. Tourism Growth Signal: Seychelles is cited among Africa’s standout tourism performers, with arrivals up 13% in 2025, even as the continent faces uneven structural challenges.

Seychelles Trade & Environment: Seychelles has strengthened its ability to manage hazardous chemicals, running a two-day training workshop with UNDP under the GEF-funded ISLANDS project to improve how the country identifies and handles dangerous chemical trade. Maritime & Defence Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, highlighting growing India–Seychelles maritime cooperation and planned talks with Seychelles officials on security and bilateral ties. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, backing priorities like institutional strengthening, capacity building, sustainability, connectivity and workforce development. Blue Economy & Ocean Funding: As Africa hosts the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, coverage flags the ocean conservation funding gap and the need to close it to protect fisheries, climate stability and blue economies—key issues for island states like Seychelles. Finance & Legal Risk: A Seychelles court ruling has put KuCoin back under scrutiny after ordering payment to a Swiss investor over a delisted token dispute worth over $2 million, raising questions about exchange duties after delisting. Industrial Development (AfCFTA): Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA country impact assessment report, with Seychelles named among the pilot countries—aimed at mapping readiness and export potential in sectors like agro-processing, logistics and fisheries.

Maritime Security: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, reinforcing India–Seychelles defence and Coast Guard cooperation after escorting PS Zoroaster following its refit in Kolkata. Hazardous Trade Capacity: Seychelles is running a two-day training workshop, with UNDP support under the GEF-funded ISLANDS Project, to boost national skills for identifying and managing trade in hazardous chemicals. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, with a focus on sustainability, connectivity, workforce development and resilience for island destinations. Blue Economy & Ocean Funding: A Seychelles-linked commentary ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa argues the ocean is central to Africa’s future prosperity and calls for stronger protection and financing. Finance & Courts: Seychelles court action keeps pressure on KuCoin after a Supreme Court ruling ordered payment to a Swiss investor over delisted CHP tokens, with claims the award still isn’t paid. Trade & Industry: The EU and ESA states including Seychelles concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for clearer rules, services/digitalisation cooperation, and sustainable development.

Maritime & Trade Compliance: The UK detained the Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in British waters for the first time, with Seychelles-linked ownership and management changes cited as part of opaque control structures, raising the stakes for sanctions enforcement. Chemicals & Environment: Seychelles boosted its hazardous chemicals trade capacity through a two-day UNDP-supported training workshop under the GEF-funded ISLANDS Project, aimed at better identification and management to protect public health and the environment. Maritime Security: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, reinforcing India–Seychelles maritime cooperation after escorting the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster following its refit in India. Tourism Governance: Seychelles endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029, focusing on stronger institutions, workforce development, connectivity and sustainability for island destinations. Digital Assets & Courts: A Seychelles court order has put KuCoin back under scrutiny after a Swiss investor alleges the exchange still hasn’t paid a Supreme Court award of over $2 million tied to delisted CHP tokens. Ocean Conservation Financing: A new push highlights the ocean conservation funding shortfall ahead of the Our Ocean conference in Mombasa, urging faster action to close the gap for marine protection.

Hazardous Chemicals Readiness: Seychelles ran a two-day UNDP/GEF-backed training to boost how the country identifies and manages trade in hazardous chemicals, strengthening health and environmental protection. Maritime Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash visited Port Victoria on June 12, underscoring growing India–Seychelles maritime ties after it escorted Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster following refit work in Kolkata. Tourism Policy & Global Links: Seychelles endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029, with priorities including connectivity, workforce development, resilience and sustainability for island destinations. Trade & Industry Integration: Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA country impact assessment report, with Seychelles named among the pilot countries—aiming to map readiness and unlock export and value-add opportunities. Court & Crypto Compliance: A Seychelles court order has KuCoin facing renewed scrutiny over an unpaid award tied to delisted CHP tokens, with the Swiss investor claiming compensation of more than $2 million remains outstanding. Local Environment & Conservation: Curieuse Island’s giant tortoise translocation programme is highlighted as a conservation success story, supporting a free-roaming population and reducing extinction risks. Luxury Hospitality Appointments: Anantara Downtown Dubai appointed Manish Jha as General Manager, bringing extensive Minor Hotels experience, including leadership roles across Seychelles properties.

Tourism Policy & UN Alignment: Seychelles has endorsed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, Spain, with priorities including stronger institutions, collaboration, workforce development, sustainability, and resilience for island destinations. Maritime & Security Cooperation: India’s stealth frigate INS Tarkash docked at Port Victoria on June 12, reinforcing growing India–Seychelles maritime cooperation, including escort support for the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel PS Zoroaster and planned talks with local officials on security and bilateral ties. Legal & Finance Oversight: A Seychelles court ruling has renewed scrutiny on KuCoin after a Swiss investor alleged the exchange still hasn’t paid a Supreme Court award of more than $2 million tied to delisted CHP tokens. Industrial Trade & Regional Development: Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA country impact assessment report, with Seychelles named among the pilot countries, pointing to opportunities in mining, fisheries, agro-processing, and logistics value chains. Conservation & Local Industry Storytelling: Curieuse Island’s giant tortoise translocation success is highlighted as a living conservation case study that also supports visitor experiences. Hospitality Appointments: Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel appointed Manish Jha as General Manager, with his background including leadership roles across Minor Hotels properties, including Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa.