AGP Executive Report

Presidential Health: President Patrick Herminie remains in hospital in Seychelles for observation and tests. State House says his condition is stable. Cycling: Seychelles’ Deveone Orredy finished fifth in the 58.6km youth road race at the African championships in Kenya, just seconds behind the winner. Ocean Governance: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional marine protection and a sustainable blue economy at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12 in Tanzania. Conservation: A new estimate puts Aldabra’s giant tortoise population at about 180,000, while conservation work continues to protect green turtles and restore island habitats. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranked 35th worldwide for economic freedom in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report, second in Africa behind Mauritius. Travel Deal: Etihad is offering up to 40% off selected reward fares to and from Seychelles for bookings by October 31, with travel through December 15.

Cycling: Seychelles’ Deveone Orredy finished fifth in the men’s youth road race at the African Championships in Kenya, crossing just three seconds behind the winner. Health: President Patrick Herminie is stable in hospital and remains in Seychelles for monitoring and tests, State House said. Aldabra Conservation: A study estimates about 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, the highest count recorded, though dense vegetation makes exact numbers difficult to confirm. Ocean Governance: Seychelles reaffirmed its support for regional marine protection and sustainable blue-economy development at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12 in Tanzania. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranked 35th globally for economic freedom in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report and was among six African countries with full electricity access.

Presidential Health: President Patrick Herminie is in a Seychelles hospital for observation and tests. State House says his condition is stable and he is receiving care at home. Ocean Governance: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to marine protection and regional cooperation at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, where delegates discussed ocean governance, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Aldabra Conservation: A new study estimates about 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, the highest count recorded; researchers caution that dense vegetation makes numbers difficult to verify. Green turtles are also nesting there, though their recovery remains incomplete. Island Protection: An invasive-species eradication programme has begun on Alphonse, adding to conservation efforts across the archipelago. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranked second in Africa and 35th worldwide in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 economic freedom report, behind Mauritius.

President’s Health: President Patrick Herminie is in a Seychelles hospital for observation and tests. State House says his condition is stable and he is receiving care at home rather than seeking treatment abroad. Ocean Protection: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional marine conservation and sustainable ocean livelihoods at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12 in Tanzania, calling for stronger cooperation and financing. Aldabra Conservation: A new study estimates around 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, a population rebound from about 1,000 in the 19th century. Green sea turtles are also recovering, though researchers say their comeback remains incomplete. Economic Standing: Seychelles ranked second in Africa and 35th globally for economic freedom in the Fraser Institute’s 2026 report. A separate ranking put the country among six African nations with full electricity access.

Aldabra Conservation: A new study estimates around 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, the highest count recorded. Researchers caution that dense vegetation makes comparisons with earlier estimates difficult. Ocean Governance: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to marine protection and regional cooperation at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean conservation and a sustainable blue economy. Heritage: First Lady Véronique Herminie said Seychelles welcomes Russian expertise in preserving cultural and natural heritage, highlighting Mission Lodge as a site worthy of greater protection. 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 amid an Ebola outbreak; no local cases had been reported as of October 15. National Profile: Seychelles recorded 100% electricity access in a new African ranking and placed 12th globally in a lifestyle index assessing factors including safety, climate and quality of life.

Aldabra Conservation: A new University of Exeter and Seychelles Islands Foundation study estimates around 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, the highest recorded figure. Researchers caution that dense vegetation makes population counts difficult, but decades of protection have helped the species thrive. Energy Access: Seychelles joined five African countries with 100% electricity access in a 2026 ranking. Ocean Governance: At the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, Seychelles renewed its commitment to regional marine protection, sustainable ocean industries and stronger conservation financing. Alphonse Wildlife: A programme is underway to remove rats, mice, feral cats and chickens from Alphonse Atoll to help native wildlife recover. Travel Health: Seychelles has tightened entry rules for foreign nationals recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, requiring them to spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling to the islands.

Marine Conservation: A new study says seabird guano and native trees can help atoll reefs keep pace with rising seas, while Aldabra’s green turtles are making a comeback—though their recovery remains incomplete. Regional Ocean Policy: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to marine protection at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean governance and the blue economy across the Western Indian Ocean. Wildlife Protection: A programme is underway on Alphonse to remove rats, mice, feral cats and chickens, giving native wildlife a better chance to recover. Travel Health: Seychelles has tightened entry rules for foreign nationals recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, requiring them to spend at least 21 days outside the country before travelling; no Ebola cases had been reported in Seychelles as of October 19.

Climate Resilience: A study of 28 atoll islands finds seabird guano and native forests can help reefs keep pace with sea-level rise through 2100 under warming of up to 2°C, strengthening the case for restoring island ecosystems. Ocean Governance: Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional marine protection at Nairobi Convention COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean conservation and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean. Conservation: A major programme is underway on Alphonse Atoll to remove invasive rats, mice, cats and chickens and give native wildlife a chance to recover. Cultural Heritage: First Lady Véronique Herminie said Seychelles would welcome Russian expertise in protecting cultural and natural heritage, highlighting Mahé’s historic Mission Lodge. Business: Seychelles-based crypto exchange MEXC is ending services for users in Russia and Belarus from October 20, citing global compliance requirements. Travel Health: Seychelles has introduced a 21-day separation requirement for foreign nationals who recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid its Ebola outbreak.

Climate Action: Former president James Michel says COP31 must turn climate pledges into practical support for island communities facing rising seas, coral bleaching and stronger storms. Travel Health: Seychelles has tightened entry rules amid the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: foreign nationals must spend at least 21 days outside the DRC before travelling to the islands. Conservation: A major operation is under way on Alphonse to remove rats, mice, feral cats and chickens and help native wildlife recover. Tourism: Seychelles tourism pioneer Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a conservationist, has died aged 82. Living Standards: Seychelles ranked 12th globally and highest in Africa in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, which assessed 63 destinations on factors including safety, climate, taxes and infrastructure.

Travel & Health: Seychelles is requiring foreign nationals with recent travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to spend at least 21 days outside the country before arriving, amid the Ebola outbreak. No cases had been detected in Seychelles as of the latest reported health update on October 15. Global Standing: Seychelles ranked 12th worldwide and highest in Africa in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, ahead of the UK, Canada and the US. The ranking assessed safety, climate, taxation, residency and quality of life. Conservation: A major effort is underway on Alphonse Atoll to remove rats, mice, feral cats and chickens that threaten native wildlife. Aldabra’s giant tortoise population has also reached an estimated 183,000, a striking conservation success. Tourism: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, 82, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a tourism pioneer whose work also championed conservation on Denis Island. Regional Ocean Policy: Nairobi Convention members, including Seychelles, agreed on 15 decisions at COP12 to advance protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean.

Public Health: Seychelles has tightened entry rules for foreign nationals with recent travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, requiring them to spend at least 21 days outside the country before arrival. No local Ebola cases had been reported as of October 19. Conservation: A major programme is underway on Alphonse Atoll to remove invasive rats, mice, feral cats and chickens and help native wildlife recover. Ocean Governance: Seychelles joined nine other Nairobi Convention members in adopting 15 decisions to advance protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean. Tourism: Seychelles tourism pioneer Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a conservationist, has died aged 82. Living Standards: Seychelles ranked 12th globally in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, leading African countries assessed for factors including safety, climate, taxes and services.

Alphonse Conservation: A major operation is underway to remove rats, mice, feral cats and chickens from Alphonse Atoll, giving native wildlife and ecosystems a chance to recover. Ocean Governance: The Nairobi Convention’s COP12 ended with 15 decisions to advance protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean. Seychelles was among the 10 countries taking part. Living in Seychelles: The country ranked 12th globally in the 2026 Nomad Lifestyle Index, leading the African nations assessed for safety, climate, services and other factors. Food Waste: Seychelles was among countries reporting more than 210 kilogrammes of food waste per person annually, according to figures cited in a global report. India-Seychelles Ties: Indian Navy ships completed a Port Victoria visit, including joint exercises with the Seychelles Coast Guard and training with defence force personnel. Tourism: Seychelles mourned Mickey Mason, 82, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a tourism pioneer whose work also championed conservation. Road Safety: Airtel Seychelles and the Transport Ministry partnered to share road-safety campaigns, traffic updates and transport advisories through mobile services.

Maritime Cooperation: Indian Navy ships completed a Port Victoria visit after joint patrols and training with the Seychelles Coast Guard and Defence Force, alongside a medical camp and community outreach. Road Safety: Airtel Seychelles and the Transport Ministry will use mobile updates to share safety campaigns, traffic measures and travel advisories. Tourism: Mickey Mason, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a pioneer of Seychelles tourism, has died aged 82; his legacy also includes conservation work on Denis Island. Weather Services: Seychelles hosted regional training for meteorological teams from four Indian Ocean nations on using free data tools to strengthen weather and flood-warning services. Conservation: Aldabra’s giant tortoise population is estimated at about 183,000, making it the world’s largest known free-roaming population.

Maritime Ties: Indian Navy ships have completed a Seychelles port call, including joint drills with the Coast Guard and training with Defence Force personnel. Road Safety: Airtel Seychelles and the Transport Ministry will use mobile alerts to share safety campaigns, traffic updates and travel advisories. Tourism: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, 82, who co-founded Mason’s Travel and championed conservation on Denis Island. Conservation: A new survey estimates about 183,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra, the largest recorded population and a conservation success, though climate change remains a threat. Travel and Trade: Kyrgyzstan has ratified a visa-waiver agreement allowing Seychellois and Kyrgyz citizens stays of up to 30 days per visit, subject to an annual limit.

Digital Governance: A Seychelles company controlled by businessman Lu Heng filed 10 of Africa’s 16 applications in ICANN’s new domain-name round. The filings draw attention to links with Cloud Innovation, which holds millions of internet addresses and has called for AFRINIC to be wound up. Tourism: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, 82, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a tourism pioneer whose work also championed conservation on Denis Island. Weather Services: Meteorological technicians from Seychelles and three other island nations trained in Seychelles on free tools to organise weather and water records for forecasting and public warnings. Conservation: A study estimates nearly 183,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra, the largest recorded population; researchers say climate change and invasive species remain threats. Transport: Airtel Seychelles and the transport ministry will use mobile communications to share road-safety campaigns, traffic updates and travel advisories. Finance and Travel: Seychelles is included on the UK’s 2026 list of jurisdictions exchanging financial information, while Kyrgyzstan has ratified a visa-free agreement allowing citizens of both countries stays of up to 30 days per visit.

Internet Governance: A Seychelles-registered company controlled by businessman Lu Heng filed 10 of Africa’s 16 applications in ICANN’s new domain-name round. The link raises questions about concentration of influence, as another company he controls holds about 6.2 million internet addresses and has called for AFRINIC to be wound up. Tourism: Seychelles is mourning Mickey Mason, 82, co-founder of Mason’s Travel and a pioneer who paired tourism with conservation on Denis Island. Digital Services: Airtel Seychelles and the Transport Ministry will use mobile alerts to share road-safety campaigns, traffic updates and travel advisories. Conservation: A survey by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the University of Exeter estimates nearly 183,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra, the largest recorded population. Regional Ties: Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approved a visa-free agreement allowing Seychellois and Kyrgyz citizens stays of up to 30 days per visit, within a 90-day annual limit. Finance: Seychelles is among the jurisdictions named in the UK’s 2026 automatic financial-information exchange list and remains off the EU tax blacklist.