AGP Executive Report

Seychelles Sports: Russian swimmer Alisa Pepelina kicked off the Seychelles Aquatics Series with multiple wins, including first places in the 200m freestyle, 50m freestyle and breaststroke, and 100m events, as clubs from Mahé and Praslin geared up for international targets in Dubai. Seychelles Football: Seychelles Under-20s opened their COSAFA qualifier campaign with a 4-3 win over Mauritius, with Lorenzo Hoareau scoring a hat-trick as the team bounced back after an earlier loss. Coastal & Environment: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority wrapped a week-long capacity programme to strengthen scientific and socio-economic monitoring of mangroves, reefs and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Local Community & Clean Seas: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 participants for a 5km coastal cleanup drive, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle leading the women’s race. Tourism Connectivity: Condor confirmed year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles service, ending a seasonal gap and restoring continuous direct access. Regional Travel Rules: South Korea published ETA stay details for Seychelles (30 days), while UK rules note Seychellois citizens can travel visa-free but still need an ETA.

Seychelles Sport: Seychelles’ U-20 team grabbed a first-ever qualifier win, beating Mauritius 4-3 after Lorenzo Hoareau’s hat-trick, while the wider COSAFA Under-20 action continues in Mozambique. Coastal & Conservation: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority wrapped a week-long capacity programme to strengthen scientific and socio-economic monitoring of mangroves, reefs and seagrass corridors, and conservationist Jeremy Raguain has joined the Island Conservation Society’s Board of Trustees. Local Outdoors: The traditional Mahé–Praslin open-water crossing is back today, with windsurfers and kitesurfers taking on the 44km route. Tourism & Travel: Condor confirmed year-round weekly Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, helping smooth out the seasonal gap, while Seychelles also continues pushing its tourism offer at major travel fairs. Global Mobility: South Korea says Seychelles citizens can enter with an ETA for a 30-day stay, and the UK notes Seychelles and Mauritius are visa-exempt for short visits but still require an ETA. Business & Tech: Zoomex opened regular registration for ZWTC 2026 squad competition (prizes up to 2.5m USDT) and relaunched its Zero-Fee TradFi campaign for eligible traders.

Seychelles-UK Travel Rules: Seychellois citizens are generally visa-exempt for short UK visits, but still need an ETA through the UK’s electronic travel authorisation system. COSAFA U-20 Football: Namibia beat Mozambique 1-0 to secure a second straight COSAFA Qualifier win, and next up is a clash with Seychelles on Tuesday. Russian Voting in Seychelles: Russian citizens voted at a polling station at the Russian Embassy in Seychelles, with observers saying the process was calm despite rain affecting turnout. Tourism Disruption: Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Seychelles are feeling the knock-on effects of Middle East tensions, with airspace closures causing cancellations and longer, costlier routes. Aviation Connectivity for Seychelles: Condor confirmed year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, ending a seasonal gap and restoring continuous direct access. Trade & Seafood Focus: Seychelles reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen fisheries and aquaculture processing, data use and post-harvest management. Clean Shores Run: A Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 participants, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador taking part. Energy & Ports: A World Bank port ranking put Seychelles’ Port Victoria at 287 globally, while an energy report highlights Africa’s shift from “access” to reliable, affordable power.

COSAFA U-20 Football: Namibia’s Young Warriors beat hosts Mozambique 1-0 to secure a second straight win, with Rashid Naobeb scoring in the 18th minute; the result leaves them on six points and sets up a key clash with Seychelles on Tuesday, 22 September. Seychelles in the Spotlight: Seychelles also features in the wider COSAFA U-20 qualifier picture, with hosts Mozambique and Group A rivals Namibia and Mauritius all starting strong this week. Elections & Diplomacy: Russian citizens are voting at the Russian Embassy in Seychelles, with observers saying the process is calm despite rain affecting turnout. Tourism & Travel Connectivity: Condor confirms year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, ending a seasonal gap and giving Seychelles continuous direct access to a major hub. Middle East Impact on Travel: Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Seychelles are bracing for disruption as Middle East tensions trigger airspace closures and flight cancellations. Trade & Fisheries: Seychelles reaches out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen fisheries and aquaculture post-harvest systems, including data-sharing and higher-value processing. Environment & Community Sport: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew Seychelles Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador, with 34 runners completing a 5km course for coastal cleanup awareness.

Chagos Diplomacy: Maldives has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen Chagos Archipelago talks, adding a new claimant to a dispute involving Britain’s administration, Mauritius’ sovereignty claim, the US/UK base on Diego Garcia, and the Chagossians’ expulsion. Local Sports & Environment: Seychelles’ Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 runners for a 5km race tied to International Coastal Cleanup Day, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev taking part. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles is reaching out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, including tuna processing investment, data-sharing for monitoring, and higher-value products from residues and seaweed. Maritime Trade Spotlight: A World Bank port ranking places Port Victoria (Seychelles) at 287 globally, while Djibouti, Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam lead the East and Horn of Africa region. Youth Football: Seychelles is in Group A for the COSAFA U20 qualifier in Mozambique, with hosts Mozambique, Namibia and Mauritius also in the pool.

Clean Shores Run: Seychelles’ Roche Caiman hosted the Clean Shores Run on 19 September, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev joining the 5km race tied to International Coastal Cleanup Day; 34 runners finished, with Yannick Anacoura winning in 13:30 and Belle topping women’s results. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles reached out to India for support to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen fisheries and aquaculture post-harvest systems, including investment in tuna processing, product diversification, and improved fisheries data and surveillance. Port Victoria in Global Rankings: A World Bank container port performance update placed Seychelles’ Port Victoria at rank 287 globally, with Seychelles also listed among East and Indian Ocean regional ports. COSAFA U-20 (Seychelles in Group A): Mozambique beat Seychelles 4-1 in the COSAFA qualifier opener, while Namibia started with a 1-0 win over Mauritius and Zambia beat Malawi 2-0—setting up key Group A matches. Seychelles Currency Gains: The Seychellois rupee led African currencies in September, rising 6.44% against the US dollar. Boxing Coaching Course: A Level 1 international coaching certification course in Freetown included coaches from Seychelles and other African countries, ending with 33 coaches certified.

Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles has reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, with talks on tuna processing investment, product diversification, fisheries data sharing, and new aquaculture approaches. Port Performance: A World Bank ranking puts Port Victoria (Seychelles) at 287 globally, as Djibouti, Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam lead East and Horn of Africa port performance. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles is also in the spotlight at ATM 2026, with renewed efforts to deepen tourism links and improve route availability for Middle East demand. Sports—COSAFA U-20: Mozambique beat Seychelles 4-1 in the COSAFA qualifier opener in Maputo, while Namibia started with a 1-0 win over Mauritius and Zambia beat Malawi 2-0. Coaching Development: Seychelles coaches were among those certified after an international boxing course in Freetown, supporting youth preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.

Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles has reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, with talks on tuna processing, product diversification, vessel standards, and even fisheries data sharing using emerging tech. Tourism Partnerships: Seychelles is also back in the spotlight at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, aiming to deepen ties with French and European trade partners as it consolidates its tourism position. Port Performance Watch: In a World Bank container port ranking, Port Victoria (Seychelles) sits at rank 287, as Djibouti, Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam lead the East and Horn of Africa list. Sports—COSAFA U-20: Seychelles are set to face Mozambique in the COSAFA U-20 qualifier opener group stage in Mozambique, with the tournament running 18–27 September. Regional Security Debate: A nuclear-free Indian Ocean theme returns as Comoros and Seychelles move forward with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, arguing for prevention and disarmament in a strategic region.

Seychelles Tourism Push: Seychelles is back in the French spotlight at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, aiming to deepen trade and partner ties as it consolidates its position in France. Aviation & Connectivity: At Arabian Travel Market, Seychelles’ tourism minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein backed the idea that route availability and connectivity matter as much as demand, with ministers and industry leaders urging better aviation infrastructure and smarter, data-led decisions. Sports & Youth: Seychelles’ Junior Chipolopolo campaign is set in Mozambique for the COSAFA U20 qualifier, with Seychelles among the teams in Group A. Local Football: Seychelles’ beach soccer scene kicks off with Real Maldive edging Equator 7-6 in a thrilling curtain-raiser. Coaching Development: A Level 1 international boxing course in Freetown certified 33 coaches from six countries, including Seychelles, boosting youth boxing pathways. Global Policy Watch: Seychelles’ ratification of the nuclear ban treaty (TPNW) is highlighted as part of a wider nuclear-free Indian Ocean push.

Seychelles Tourism Push: Seychelles is back in the spotlight at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, aiming to deepen trade ties and boost visibility in France. Middle East Connectivity: At Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein stressed that demand is strong but hinges on route availability, frequency, connectivity and affordability—while ministers called for better aviation infrastructure and smarter, data-led decisions for post-conflict travel recovery. Emirates Partnership: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture at ATM, extending a partnership dating to 2013 as arrivals near 400,000. Sports & Youth: Zambia’s Junior Chipolopolo arrived in Mozambique for the COSAFA U20 qualifier, with Seychelles and Mauritius in Group A. Local Sports Development: Seychelles Youth & Sports Minister Kalsey Belle told the National Assembly that talent identification needs a more systematic push, starting from schools, districts and clubs. Global Watch: A study highlights early genetic gains in Madagascar’s giant tortoise rewilding using Seychelles-related Aldabra stock.

Seychelles Tourism Push at ATM 2026: Seychelles is strengthening its Middle East presence at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, with Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein leading meetings to grow GCC partnerships and route demand. Emirates Partnership Boost: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry, extending joint marketing and familiarisation trips as arrivals near 400,000, supported by twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights. French Market Focus: Seychelles also returned to IFTM Top Resa in Paris to consolidate its position in France and deepen trade relationships. Aviation & Connectivity Theme: Seychelles officials joined ATM discussions stressing that aviation infrastructure and data-led decisions are key to keeping tourism demand strong. Local Sports & Youth: Seychelles karting is set for a historic international debut in Angola, while Olympic Solidarity equipment support backs the Seychelles Weightlifting Federation. Sports Results: Real Maldive opened the new beach soccer season with a dramatic 7-6 win over Equator.

Seychelles Tourism at ATM 2026: Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein met regional travel leaders at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, with the focus on stronger aviation infrastructure and faster, data-led decisions to support a post-conflict tourism rebound. GCC push for high-value visitors: Seychelles Tourism Board says around six in 10 international visitors reach the islands via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, and it is placing the GCC at the centre of a shift from volume to value. Emirates renews Seychelles partnership: Emirates and Seychelles Tourism Board/MoT&C extended a MoU first signed in 2013, backing joint marketing and familiarisation trips as arrivals near 400,000 and 2025 figures rose 13%. More connectivity ahead: Qatar Airways plans to lift Seychelles flights from four to seven weekly from 1 March 2027. Youth & sport spotlight: Minister for Youth & Sports Kalsey Belle told the National Assembly about plans to identify talent in districts without clubs and build more systematic athlete development. Olympic Solidarity for weightlifting: Seychelles Weightlifting Federation received new equipment support to strengthen administration and development. Business note: Seychelles Inc. tops a published comparison for company formation pricing, with a single all-in US$850 first year and renewal.

Tourism & Aviation: Emirates renewed and expanded its Seychelles partnerships at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with a new MoU between Emirates, the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, as visitor arrivals near 400,000 and the airline keeps two daily Dubai–Mahé flights. Middle East Strategy: Seychelles Tourism Board says the GCC is now at the centre of its high-value, sustainable tourism push, with Gulf connectivity via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi bringing about six in 10 international visitors. Fleet Upgrade: Emirates continues its Starlink rollout, connecting 53 aircraft so far and targeting 232, while also growing Premium Economy and cabin availability ahead of the winter season. Local Business & Growth: STORY Hospitality says it will showcase its guest loyalty push and ongoing H Hotel Dubai refurbishment at ATM, while STORYfication links staff across UAE, Seychelles and Morocco. Sports (Seychelles): Beau Vallon Heat swept the men’s Division One basketball title, and Seychelles Football Federation Premier League action continues with Real Maldive leading the Mahé group.

Seychelles Tourism & Aviation: Seychelles Tourism Board is putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value, sustainable tourism push at ATM 2026, with plans for a new Emirates MoU and deeper travel-trade engagement, as Gulf hubs funnel about six in 10 international visitors via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Emirates Deals: Emirates kicked off ATM 2026 by signing or renewing seven tourism agreements, including a renewed Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture partnership first set up in 2013, with Emirates operating two daily flights to Mahé and reporting 13% growth in 2025 arrivals to nearly 400,000. Local Sports: Seychelles Football Federation Premier League action continues, with Real Maldive leading the Mahé group and Côte d’Or topping the Inner Islands group after early matchdays. Basketball: Beau Vallon Heat swept the Division One men’s final to retain their title, while AB Boys forced a deciding game in Division Two after a comeback. Regional Travel Rules: Thailand has cut visa-free stays for many nationalities to 30 days, with Mauritius and Seychelles getting 15 days under the new entry rules starting today.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 by signing or renewing tourism deals with seven destinations, including Seychelles, aiming to boost inbound travel through joint marketing, travel packages and familiarisation trips; the airline also renewed its Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture partnership first set up in 2013, noting Seychelles visitor arrivals rose 13% to nearly 400,000 in 2025, and Emirates operates two daily flights to Mahé. Regional Travel Policy: Thailand’s new entry rules start today (15 Sept 2026), ending the 60-day visa exemption and cutting Seychelles travellers to a 15-day exemption, with tighter limits at land borders. Winter Network Expansion: Qatar Airways says it will expand its 2026-27 winter network to 170+ destinations, including more access to Seychelles from 1 March 2027 (rising from four to seven weekly flights). Seychelles Sport: Seychelles Football Federation Premier League action continues with Real Maldive leading the Mahé group and Côte d’Or topping the Inner Islands group after early tournament rounds. Local Business & Hospitality: STORY Hospitality will showcase its growth and loyalty push at ATM 2026, while STORY Hospitality’s “Storyfication” culture initiative spans UAE, Seychelles and Morocco.

Seychelles-China Trade: China and Seychelles signed an “Early Harvest” arrangement on September 10, with China offering zero-tariff treatment for Seychelles and Seychelles further opening its market to China, boosting the shared push for trade and investment. Tourism & Culture: Seychelles Ambassador at Large Dr Alain St.Ange told delegates at the Oxford Global Diplomat Summit that tourism should be measured beyond arrivals, as a bridge that builds human connection and peace. Hospitality at ATM 2026: STORY Hospitality is set to showcase growth at Arabian Travel Market (Sept 14-17) including early results from its STORY DISCOVERY loyalty programme and ongoing refurbishment plans for The H Hotel Dubai, plus a new group-wide culture initiative linking UAE, Seychelles and Morocco. Sports—Football & Basketball: Seychelles Football Federation Premier League pre-season tournament updates put Real Maldive top in the Mahé group and Côte d’Or leading the Inner Islands group; in basketball, Beau Vallon Heat swept the men’s Division One final, while AB Boys forced a deciding game in Division Two. Sports—Volleyball Admin: Seychelles Volleyball Federation announced a new online registration system for the 2026-2027 season, with a training workshop to support the transition. Shark Incident (Local relevance): A Geraldton surfer, Mel Ismail, was identified as the man bitten in a Glenfield Beach shark attack and is in serious but stable condition.