AGP Executive Report

Indian Ocean Wellness Shift: National Geographic Traveller spotlights new “encounter-style” wellness across the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka—full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices and deeper diagnostic screening. Marine Conservation Cooperation: A Seychelles-linked push argues sea-turtle protection needs cross-border funding and coordination, since the ocean’s routes ignore national borders. Seychelles-India Rescue: India thanks Seychelles for swift help rescuing 17 Indian fishermen after engine failure off the islands. Crypto and Seychelles Links: Absa becomes Africa’s first bank to offer institutional crypto custody, while a Canadian Supreme Court case cites a Seychelles-based company tied to an alleged bitcoin fraud. Bitget Hack Fallout: Reports say North Korean-linked hackers launder part of the $388m Bitget theft, and withdrawals later resumed in phases. Sports—Seychelles in the spotlight: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 2-0 in a friendly (5-0 aggregate), and Seychelles athletes on Praslin received anti-doping and injury-prevention training from the Seychelles Athletes’ Commission. Local Sports History: “On This Day in Seychelles’ Sporting History” looks back at October 2 milestones.

Seychelles Economy: The African Development Bank has approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, building on earlier phases that total $84m since 2024. Tourism & Connectivity: State House says Seychelles is applying lessons from COVID-19 as Middle East aviation disruptions test its route access, noting about 60% of visitors connect via hubs like Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Chagos Diplomacy: A UK–Mauritius sovereignty deal on Chagos is still stalled, with Chagossians fearing delays could mean they never return home. Sports (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles hosted Sri Lanka in a FIFA friendly, with Sri Lanka winning 2-0 in the second leg for a 5-0 aggregate; locally, Praslin athletes also received anti-doping and injury-prevention training. Crypto & Courts: Canada’s Supreme Court will review jurisdiction in an alleged cryptocurrency fraud case tied to a Seychelles-based company. Local Sports Governance: The Seychelles Athletes’ Commission ran a Praslin workshop for 19 athletes on clean sport and responsibilities. International Business: Diageo booked a Sh5.57bn charge tied to its EABL and UDV Kenya stake sale.

Seychelles Economy: The African Development Bank has approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, bringing total support under the programme to $84m since 2024. Tourism & Air Access: Seychelles says tourism is adapting after Middle East aviation disruptions exposed its reliance on Gulf hubs, with officials stressing the need to keep routes open. Sports—Football: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 2-0 in the second leg of a friendly series to complete a 5-0 aggregate win, with both goals scored at Stade Linité in Victoria. Sports—AFCON Qualifying: South Africa thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo as Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, extending SA’s strong run in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Local Sport Integrity: Praslin athletes attended a Seychelles Athletes’ Commission workshop on anti-doping, injury prevention and athlete responsibilities. Tech & Security (Seychelles-linked): Crypto exchange Bitget, based in Victoria, Seychelles, reported withdrawals restarting after a major hack, with reports linking the attack to North Korean hackers.

AFCON Qualifiers: South Africa’s Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo, with Yaya Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh also on target, putting SA five points clear in Group D. Seychelles Mobility & Passports: A new Passport Index look shows Seychelles among Africa’s top performers for visa-free access, alongside Mauritius and South Africa, as the continent pushes for easier movement. Seychelles Economy: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener development, bringing total support under the programme to $84m since 2024. Tourism Resilience: Seychelles says it’s adapting to aviation shocks after Middle East disruptions, stressing the need to keep routes open as visitor numbers were hit earlier this year. Digital Security (Seychelles-linked): Crypto exchange Bitget, based in Victoria, Seychelles, says withdrawals resumed after a major hack, with reporting linking attackers to North Korea and noting large funds moved out. Sports (Seychelles in focus): Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in an international friendly, while Seychelles also appears in regional football coverage.

Cybersecurity: Threat actors are abusing ChatGPT Custom GPTs, steering users via Google Sites links to ClickFix-style malware pages; Huntress says at least 40 people were infected after downloading malicious installers. Seychelles Economy & Governance: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, with digital public financial tools like e-invoicing and e-procurement. Tourism Connectivity: Seychelles tourism officials say aviation disruptions exposed route dependence, pushing a faster, more diversified response to keep routes open. Crypto & Local Impact: Bitget, a Seychelles-based exchange, says withdrawals resumed in phases after a $387.5m hack, with reports of large BTC withdrawals shortly after restart. Sports (Seychelles): Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in a FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, ahead of further preparations. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles takes over SIDS DOCK presidency, with President Herminie leading.

Crypto Security in Focus: Seychelles-based Bitget said withdrawals are back after a $388m hack, with CEO Gracy Chen noting 4,098 BTC worth about $334m moved in the first hour of the restart and that customer withdrawals are now stabilising in phases. Digital Assets Expansion: WOO X officially launched WOO X EU from Mahe, built to align with Europe’s MiCA rules, with Payward Services backing custody and infrastructure. Tourism Resilience: State House says Seychelles is learning from COVID-era route dependence as Middle East aviation disruptions test connectivity, with World Tourism Day marked by welcoming arrivals. Economic Boost: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to strengthen Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, bringing total support to $84m since 2024. Sports—Seychelles on the pitch: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in the first FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, with the second match set for Sept 30. Regional Travel Links: Air Seychelles cancellation fallout was linked to Mauritius denying landing clearance for an Israel-bound flight.

Seychelles Development Finance: The African Development Bank has approved a $34 million loan to back Seychelles’ economic resilience, public services, private-sector growth and greener recovery, bringing total support under the programme to $84 million since 2024, with reforms targeting better governance, a stronger business environment and climate resilience. Seychelles in Regional Diplomacy: President Dr Patrick Herminie took part in AOSIS leaders’ discussions in New York on priorities for small island states, including climate action, ocean governance and sustainable financing. Air Travel Disruption (Mauritius/Israel): Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation; the tour operator said the decision was based on “political and diplomatic considerations.” Tourism Recognition: Seychelles was among the winners at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives, taking ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’. Sports (Football Friendly): Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in the first match of a two-game FIFA international friendly series at Stade Linite in Victoria. Crypto Watch (Seychelles-based exchange): Bitget said it will resume withdrawals in phases after a major security incident, with Seychelles-based operations in the spotlight.

Seychelles Diplomacy: Seychelles will take over the SIDS DOCK Presidency through December 2027, with President Dr Patrick Herminie elected to lead the Tenth Session, aiming to push sustainable energy, climate resilience and ocean-focused development across Small Island Developing States. Regional Travel Dispute: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation; the Israeli tour operator cited “political and diplomatic considerations,” while sources linked it to Mauritius’ absence from Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly delegation. Seychelles Sports: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in the first match of a two-game FIFA friendly series at Stade Linite in Victoria, with the second match set for September 30. Local Environment: Conservation group ICS continued exploring Silhouette’s key biodiversity hotspots, highlighting rare species and ongoing work to protect Seychelles’ biodiversity. International Business/Trade: The EU says its expanding trade agreements are boosting exports and economic security, with 44 preferential deals in place by end-2025. Maritime/Defense: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay visited the Russian Navy training ship Perekop during its port call in Victoria, with briefings and logbook messages.

Seychelles Sports: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3-0 in the first match of their FIFA friendly series at Stade Linite in Victoria, with Adhavan Raja Mohan scoring a penalty in first-half stoppage time, then adding a second from a free-kick before Dillon de Silva completed the rout; the return is set for September 30. Seychelles International Relations: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay visited the Russian Navy training ship Perekop during its port call in Victoria, touring the vessel and taking part in official engagements with Russian officials and diplomats. SIDS Leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie led Seychelles as it took over the SIDS DOCK presidency through December 2027, steering discussions on sustainable energy, climate resilience and development priorities for small island states. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles picked up a win at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala in the Maldives, taking ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination’. Regional Diplomacy Impact: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the service amid reports of “political and diplomatic considerations,” affecting passengers.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles will take over the SIDS DOCK Assembly presidency through December 2027 after President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected to lead the Tenth Session, with priorities including sustainable energy, climate resilience and development. Biodiversity & Conservation: ICS continues exploring Silhouette’s Key Biodiversity Areas, spotlighting rare species and habitats as part of ongoing KBA work across Seychelles’ granitic islands. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay visited Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop in Victoria, touring the vessel and engaging with Russian naval leadership and cadets. Tourism Recognition: Seychelles earned a win at the World Travel Awards 2026 for “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination,” as regional tourism and hospitality leaders were honoured in the Maldives. Flight Disruption (Mauritius): Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation amid claims of “political and diplomatic considerations.” Sports (Seychelles-linked): Nigeria’s Sand Eagles stepped up preparations for CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers against Ghana, with Seychelles previously hosting the finals.

SIDS DOCK Leadership: Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s Tenth Session, taking the presidency through December 2027 and pushing priorities on sustainable energy, climate resilience and development for Small Island Developing States. Regional Diplomacy at Sea: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay visited Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop during its port call in Victoria, with officials touring the vessel and marking the visit in the ship’s logbook. Aviation Dispute Affecting Seychelles Travel: Mauritius refused landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation; the tour operator says the refusal was based on “political and diplomatic considerations,” with passengers left to seek alternative arrangements. Tourism & Technology Debate: World Tourism Day 2026 in El Salvador spotlighted AI and digital identity in travel, but speakers including Seychelles voices stressed technology must keep people at the centre. Cybersecurity Watch: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget reported a major hack, saying unauthorized transfers from hot wallets were very likely linked to North Korean hackers. Beach Soccer Build-Up: Nigeria’s Sand Eagles stepped up preparations for their CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier against Ghana, with all 20 players in camp in Kaduna ahead of the 10 October first leg.

UN Diplomacy & Global Power: At the UN General Assembly, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands pushed for greater “strategic autonomy,” warning countries may be forced to choose between rival blocs. Debt Pressure on Development: African leaders said debt repayments and high borrowing costs are crowding out health, education and climate action, with Kenya’s Ruto calling it a fight between hospitals and creditors. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie told the UN the country is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” framing non-alignment as an active choice for peace. World Clean-up Day: Seychelles marked the clean-up with residents and schoolchildren, continuing a marathon effort with Wastea and the Seychelles–Russia Friendship Association. Sports: Namibia’s Young Warriors beat Seychelles 3-0 to reach the COSAFA Under-20 semi-finals. Cybersecurity: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget reported a major hot-wallet breach of about $351.6m, temporarily suspending withdrawals while saying user funds are safe. Regional Mobility: A WION tourism panel highlighted visa facilitation and easier travel links, featuring Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India.

Cybersecurity & Finance: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget says unauthorized transfers from its hot wallets led to about $351.6m–$388m in losses, with CEO Gracy Chen saying private keys weren’t compromised and that the method matches North Korean hacker patterns; withdrawals were temporarily suspended while cold wallets stayed secure. UN Diplomacy: African leaders, including Seychelles, used the UN General Assembly to push for UN Security Council reform and a fairer global financial system, arguing debt and high borrowing costs are draining schools, hospitals and climate action. Seychelles in World Peace Talk Hopes: President Patrick Herminie told the UN that Seychelles is “a friend to all, and an enemy to none,” reviving the island’s tourism diplomacy idea as a possible soft-power route to peace. Local Environment: Seychelles marked World Clean-up Day with a community beach and public-space clean-up, continuing a broader Cleanup Marathon backed by local partners. Sports: Namibia’s Young Warriors booked COSAFA U-20 AFCON qualifier semi-final spots with a 3-0 win over Seychelles, finishing Group A unbeaten and unconceded. Regional Mobility & Tourism: A WION summit session highlighted visa facilitation and mobility as a way to strengthen tourism and ties, with Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India taking part.

Cybersecurity & Finance: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget says North Korea is “very likely” behind a hack that saw unauthorised transfers of about US$387.5m from its hot-wallet infrastructure, with withdrawals temporarily suspended while cold wallets and user balances remain unaffected. Diplomacy & Tourism: Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie tells the UN that the country’s “friend to all, enemy to none” approach and non-alignment are an “active choice for peace,” echoing tourism diplomacy that could also serve as soft-power for dialogue. Regional Mobility: A growing push for visa-free travel across Africa highlights how intra-African trips still often require visas, with some countries moving to remove barriers. Maritime Links: Russia’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop has called at Victoria port, delivering humanitarian cargo and taking part in cultural and sporting events. Sports (Seychelles): Namibia’s Young Warriors booked COSAFA U-20 AFCON qualifier semi-final spots with a 3-0 win over Seychelles, finishing Group A unbeaten and conceding none.

Russian Navy & Seychelles Port Call: The Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop docked in Victoria, delivering about 3 tonnes of humanitarian cargo and bringing cadets for practical training, with Russian officials saying further visits are expected before end-2026. Crypto Security Shock (Seychelles-based Bitget): Bitget reported unauthorised transfers of about US$351.6m from hot/warm wallets and temporarily paused withdrawals, saying user funds are safe and losses are covered by its User Protection Fund (over US$464m), with suspicions pointing to North Korean hackers. Maritime Focus: World Maritime Day coverage asks whether “blue economy” talk is matched by real policy, highlighting the gap between celebrating and protecting ocean resources. Seychelles in Regional Sport: Namibia’s Young Warriors booked the COSAFA U20 semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Seychelles, finishing Group A unbeaten and with a clean-sheet record. Tourism & Mobility: A WION summit session on visas and mobility featured Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India, stressing easier travel as a bridge for tourism and business. Local Sailing: Mahé-Praslin windsurfing champion Jules Kandasamy defended his title in the 44km race.

CAF U20 Qualifiers: Namibia’s Young Warriors booked their COSAFA Under-20 AFCON Qualifier semi-final spot with a perfect Group A campaign, beating Seychelles 3-0 in Mozambique. Rashid Naobeb scored early, Mateus Ashitenda doubled the lead, and Lukas Sakeus added the third as Namibia finished on nine points without conceding. Sports (Seychelles): The win keeps Seychelles’ campaign in the group stage, while Namibia now awaits semi-final opponents after topping Group A. Diplomacy & Mobility: At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit, Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India Lalatiana Accouche backed “borders without barriers” thinking—easier visas and travel links to boost tourism, education and business while protecting security. Ocean Governance: The BBNJ “High Seas Treaty” entered into force in January 2026, but a new commentary says the real test now is funding, institutions and enforcement to protect marine life beyond national waters. UN Security Council Reform: President Patrick Herminie told the UN General Assembly that Africa should have at least two permanent Security Council seats with veto power, citing legitimacy and maritime security needs. Local Environment & Community: Roche Caïman hosted the Clean Shores Run, a 5km event combining sport with coastal clean-up awareness.