AGP Executive Report

Crypto & Sanctions: A Wall Street Journal probe says a $1.5bn North Korean-linked heist was routed through Iran-linked wallets and then through Seychelles-registered CoinEx, with TRM Labs tracing more than $3.84bn in sanctioned-linked transfers and noting CoinEx’s links to IRGC and other groups. Tourism (Germany): The Seychelles Tourism Board wrapped up a two-city roadshow in Stuttgart and Munich, drawing 80 travel agents and highlighting improved air access plus partner hotel and tour offerings. Public Broadcasting (SBC Bill): International media freedom groups have urged Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning governance, appointments and funding could weaken editorial independence and calling for better consultation. Sports (Youth Football): Rovers FC U-11s returned from a 10-day France camp and tournament, reaching the semifinals against 11 French teams. Blue Economy & Oceans: Marine Conservation Institute named six new “Blue Parks” marine sanctuaries at Our Ocean in Mombasa, stressing durable, equitable protection. Animal News: Guinness has named Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan a Guinness World Records ICON, recognising him as the world’s oldest living land animal at about 194 years old.

Seychelles Air Connectivity: Seychelles is set for a boost this summer with earlier and expanded services from Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot, improving links to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Independence Celebrations & Sport: The Seychelles Independence Day International Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off at Roche Caïman, with local and international teams joining 50th anniversary festivities. Public Broadcasting Bill: A coalition of international press-freedom groups has urged Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning it could weaken the independence it claims to protect. Blue Economy & Ocean Funding: A new push highlights how ocean finance is still far behind needs, with pledges risking staying “on paper” without real funding and action. Marine Protection Spotlight: Six marine areas were recognised as “Blue Parks” at Our Ocean in Mombasa, including three in Madagascar, underscoring what effective protection looks like. Guinness for Jonathan the Tortoise: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at age 194, cementing his status as the world’s oldest living land animal.

Seychelles Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles is set for a boost this summer as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot resume or expand services earlier than usual, improving links from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Seychelles Independence Celebrations (Sport): The Seychelles Independence Day International Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off at Roche Caïman Beach Soccer Arena, with local and international teams and 50th anniversary celebrations. Public Broadcasting Bill: A coalition of international press-freedom groups has urged Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning governance, appointments and funding provisions could weaken editorial independence. Guinness Record (Seychelles Giant Tortoise): Jonathan, the 194-year-old Seychelles giant tortoise on St Helena, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON, cementing his status as the world’s oldest living land animal. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: Cyprus’ EU presidency highlights progress on future EU fisheries policy, including sustainable partnership agreements with Seychelles. Motorsport for 50 Years: Autosport Seychelles announces a three-day Motorsport Festival (June 27-29) at Champions Park Raceway to mark Independence Day.

SBC Bill Pushback: Seychelles’ public broadcasting plans face fresh international pressure, with a joint letter urging a pause on the SBC Bill over concerns it could weaken editorial independence through governance, appointments and funding provisions. Tourism Connectivity Boost: Seychelles is set for a stronger summer season as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot resume or expand services earlier, improving links to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Independence Celebrations on Track: The Seychelles Independence Day International Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off at Roche Caïman, while a Motorsport Festival runs June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway for the 50th anniversary. President’s Diplomacy: President Patrick Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October, citing results from an earlier visit. Global Spotlight on Seychelles Giant Tortoise: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at 194 years old, reinforcing the conservation legacy tied to the species. Cabinet Agreement Note: Cabinet approved a Seychelles–Bahrain memorandum on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.

Public Broadcasting Bill Scrutiny: A coalition of international press-freedom groups has urged Seychelles to pause the SBC Bill, warning governance, appointments and funding provisions could weaken the independence the bill promises, and calling for proper consultation before it moves further in Parliament. Tourism Air Boost: Seychelles is set for stronger summer arrivals after Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot resume or expand services earlier than usual, improving links from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia. Seychelles-Russia Ties: President Patrick Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October, citing results from his April visit and longstanding cooperation. Independence Celebrations on the Ground: The 50th anniversary calendar continues with a Local Food Fest expansion to four days (June 26–29) and a Motorsport Festival at Champions Park Raceway (June 27–29). Global Spotlight for Seychelles Giant Tortoise: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at age 194, reinforcing the island’s conservation legacy. Ocean Policy Watch: After the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, an opinion piece argues ocean pledges risk staying “on paper” without real finance and precaution.

Tourism & Trade: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates reaffirmed their strategic partnership after talks on recovery and market resilience, with a focus on connectivity and joint marketing to boost visitor growth. Independence Celebrations: The Local Food Fest 2026 returns June 26–29 at Roche Caiman as the biggest edition yet for Seychelles’ 50th anniversary, now expanded to four days of Creole food, culture and entertainment. Sports & Culture: Autosport Seychelles will host a three-day Motorsport Festival June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway for the Independence Golden Jubilee, with public driving activities including “Come Karting.” Environment & Heritage: Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, believed born around 1832, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as an ICON and the world’s oldest living land animal at 194. Marine Policy: A Cyprus EU fisheries update cited progress including sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with Seychelles, highlighting the next phase of the Common Fisheries Policy beyond 2027. Regional Diplomacy: President Patrick Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October, citing results from his April visit.

Independence Celebrations: Seychelles Independence Day International Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off at Roche Caïman with local and international teams, organised by the Seychelles Football Federation and the National Day committee, with Vice-President Sebastien Pillay and senior ministers in attendance. Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks, focusing on recovery and stronger connectivity to key markets. Local Food Fest: The Local Food Fest 2026 returns June 26–29 at Roche Caïman, now expanded to four days for Seychelles’ 50th anniversary, with Creole-inspired food, culture and entertainment. Sports Festival: Autosport Seychelles will host a three-day Motorsport Festival from June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway, featuring public driving activities including “Come Karting” and kart slalom. Global Spotlight on Seychelles Wildlife: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise, now 194, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON, keeping global attention on the species’ long-term conservation story. Geopolitics: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October. Business & Finance: EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 launched Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented African financial systems while keeping national control. Crypto & Markets: Zoomex launched a World Cup Prediction Market campaign with crypto tasks and rewards, while Bitget added Re Protocol (RE) for spot trading.

Guinness World Records: Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, believed born around 1832, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at age 194, keeping his title as the world’s oldest living land animal and oldest turtle ever recorded. Tourism & Air Links: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after talks focused on recovery, with renewed emphasis on connectivity and joint marketing. Independence Celebrations: Autosport Seychelles will run a three-day Motorsport Festival from June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway to mark Seychelles’ 50th Independence Anniversary, with public driving activities and karting. Culture & Community: The Local Food Fest 2026 returns June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, expanding to four days for the Golden Jubilee, spotlighting Creole-inspired food and local talent. Governance: Seychelles marked Constitution Day on June 18, with President Patrick Herminie raising the flag and laying a foundation stone for a La Digue residential condominium. Environment: New research warns abandoned tuna fishing gear—drifting fish aggregating devices—can smash corals and harm wildlife, even inside marine protected areas.

Marine Conservation: Abandoned drifting tuna fishing gear (FADs) is smashing into coral reefs and threatening wildlife, including inside marine protected areas, a new Canadian study warns—while also pointing to ways to make tuna fishing more sustainable. Local Culture & Independence: Seychelles’ Local Food Fest 2026 is set to run June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, expanding to four days for the 50th Independence Golden Jubilee, with Creole-inspired food, culture, entertainment and community activities. Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates have reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks, focusing on stronger connectivity and joint marketing to support the destination’s recovery. National Events: Seychelles marked Constitution Day on June 18, with President Patrick Herminie raising the flag and laying a foundation stone on La Digue, as the country reflects on the 1993 Constitution and youth’s role in democracy. Sports & Independence Celebrations: Autosport Seychelles will host a three-day Motorsport Festival June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway to mark 50 years of Independence, with public driving experiences and karting activities. Global Spotlight on Seychelles: Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years.

Guinness World Records: Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, believed born around 1832, has been named a Guinness World Records ICON at 194 years old, keeping his status as the world’s oldest living land animal and oldest turtle ever recorded. Tourism & Aviation: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on stronger connectivity and joint marketing to support recovery and visitor growth. National Celebrations: The Local Food Fest 2026 is set to run June 26–29 at Roche Caiman, expanding to four days for Seychelles’ 50th Independence anniversary and Golden Jubilee. Independence Anniversary Motorsport: Autosport Seychelles will host a three-day Motorsport Festival from June 27–29 at Champions Park Raceway, with public driving activities and karting. Governance & Rights: Seychelles marked Constitution Day on June 18, with President Patrick Herminie raising the flag and laying a foundation stone on La Digue, highlighting the constitution’s role in democracy and youth participation. Regional Diplomacy: President Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October.

Tourism & Aviation: Tourism Seychelles and Emirates reaffirmed their strategic partnership after high-level talks, focusing on stronger connectivity, joint marketing and recovery support for visitor growth. Independence Celebrations: Autosport Seychelles will run a three-day Motorsport Festival from June 27-29 at Champions Park Raceway in Roche Caïman to mark the 50th anniversary, with public “Come Karting” and kart slalom activities. Culture & Community: The Local Food Fest 2026 expands to four days (June 26-29) at Roche Caïman for Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee, spotlighting Creole-inspired dishes, cultural showcases and entertainment. National Events: Seychelles marked Constitution Day on June 18, with President Patrick Herminie raising the flag and laying a foundation stone for a La Digue condominium. Sports & Youth: Young dancers staged a fundraising show at Roche Caïman to support an upcoming Thailand competition, blending Afro and dancehall with sega-inspired performances. Global Spotlight on Seychelles Nature: Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, now 194, was named a Guinness World Records ICON as the world’s oldest living land animal. Diplomacy: President Patrick Herminie confirmed he will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October.

Seychelles in the spotlight: Seychelles giant tortoise Jonathan, living on St Helena, has been reaffirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at 194 years, adding a new “Guinness World Records ICON” honour and drawing fresh attention to the Seychelles giant tortoise species. Local governance & nation-building: Seychelles marked Constitution Day on 18 June, with President Patrick Herminie raising the national flag and laying a foundation stone for a La Digue residential condominium, while officials highlighted the 1993 Constitution’s multi-party system and three-branch government. Tourism & environment: A feature on Praslin’s Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve spotlights Seychelles’ unique wildlife and conservation value, including the black parrot and endemic geckos. Economy & regional ties: Seychelles is mentioned alongside EU and Indian Ocean partners in a push to deepen economic cooperation, while broader regional tourism cooperation was highlighted at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026. Agriculture: A report looks at high-value greenhouse vegetable farming as a growing opportunity for Seychelles entrepreneurs, linking protected cultivation to food security and profitability.

Seychelles Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles reinforced regional tourism cooperation at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar, pushing joint marketing, better connectivity and sustainable growth across the Indian Ocean. Local Sports & Community: The Seychelles Table Tennis Association held its Open Challenge Competition at Roche Caïman, with categories for primary, secondary and seniors, as part of 50th Independence Anniversary sporting activities. Agriculture & Food Security: A new push for high-value greenhouse vegetable farming is gaining traction in Seychelles, with protected cultivation like greenhouses, shade houses and hydroponics pitched as a profitable, climate-resilient path. Digital Finance (Africa-wide, Seychelles-linked): EDENA Capital Partners and Cantor8 launched Concordia, a sovereign-grade digital infrastructure platform aimed at connecting fragmented financial systems while keeping national control. Web3 Jobs Insight: Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth report says 54% of aspiring Web3 professionals struggle to land first roles due to junior experience requirements and lack of practical skills. Travel Lifestyle: Avani Hotels launched the Avani Book Club, adding destination-themed reading lists and in-hotel book experiences across selected properties, including in the Indian Ocean. Maritime Recognition: Chief Petty Officer Vanessa Toohey received Australia’s Conspicuous Service Medal for devotion to duty as a supply chain specialist supporting naval operations. Sports History (Archive): Seychelles NATION revisited sporting stories from June 19 as part of its 50-years-in-review series.

Voting Access Abroad: California’s Senate panel has advanced a bill to help overseas active-military voters and expats vote more securely after the U.S. ended a key fax service for ballots. Tourism & Travel Links: Qatar Airways says it is restoring services to 26 destinations from June 16, including Seychelles, as it rebuilds its wider network for the summer. Seychelles Spotlight: The Seychelles giant tortoise “Jonathan” has been named a Guinness World Records “Icon,” extending his record as the world’s oldest living land animal at about 194 years. Local Sports: Seychelles Table Tennis Association hosted an Open Challenge Competition at Roche Caïman, with categories for primary, secondary and seniors, tied to the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Hospitality Ideas: Avani Hotels launched an Avani Book Club, pairing destination discovery with curated reading lists and in-hotel book experiences across properties in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Health Policy Watch: Kenya’s tobacco control groups are urging MPs to fast-track a Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill as youth vaping and new nicotine products spread.

Guinness Spotlight: Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise, now 194, has been named a Guinness World Records “ICON,” with vets saying he’s in good condition despite losing smell and vision. Local Environment Watch: A new Seychelles Commission of Inquiry report backs concerns over environmental risks and institutional failure tied to a Qatari luxury hotel project on Assomption Island near Aldabra. Aviation & Tourism: Qatar Airways resumes services to 26 destinations from June 16, including Seychelles, as it pushes its network back to 160+ gateways this summer. Health Policy: Kenya’s Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition urges Parliament to fast-track the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill as youth vaping and emerging nicotine products spread. Sport in Seychelles: Seychelles Table Tennis Association hosts an Open Challenge Competition across primary, secondary and seniors categories. Travel Deals: Club Med launches a summer sale with up to 15% off all-inclusive holidays, plus kids under 6 go free. Web3 & Finance (Seychelles-linked): Bitget and XT Exchange announce new token listings and trading access from Victoria, Seychelles.

Assomption Island Watch: Friends of Aldabra and a Seychelles Commission of Inquiry report raise fresh alarms over a Qatari-funded ultra-luxury hotel project on Assomption Island, warning it could threaten nearby Aldabra Atoll and calling on UNESCO to act. Tobacco Control Push: Kenya’s Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition urges Parliament to fast-track the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill as youth vaping and discreet nicotine products spread into schools and homes. Blue Bond Race: Kenya’s coastal counties and Kenya Ports Authority are racing to structure and market the country’s first blue bond before end-2026, targeting marine resilience projects. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A Seychelles giant tortoise, “Jonathan,” is named a Guinness World Records Icon and extends his record to 194 years. Sport & Community: Seychelles Table Tennis Association hosts an Open Challenge Competition for Independence anniversary celebrations, with categories for schools and seniors. Tourism & Travel: Viking Yi Dun begins a Mandarin-language cruise route that includes calls in the Seychelles and Maldives. Crypto Payments: Bitget and Paydify expand stablecoin payment options for merchants, aiming to simplify Web3 checkout.