Seychelles: President Dr. Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 5th August, during which several legal and policy memoranda were approved.
According to African Press Organization, the Cabinet approved a Multi-Client Seismic Survey Agreement jointly with Mauritius for geological and geophysical data acquisition within the Joint Management Area of the Extended Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region. This survey aims to enhance understanding of the area's seabed and subsoil resources while ensuring compliance with environmental, legal, and regulatory standards.
The Cabinet also approved remunerating the Accounts Receivable Irrecoverable Debts Write-Off Committee and the Irrecoverable Government Loans and Debts Write-Off Committee in line with the government's remuneration framework. This initiative seeks to bolster oversight, transparency, and accountability in assessing and writing off irrecoverable government debts and loans, with the costs to be covered by the Ministry's existing budget.
Furthermore, policy options to resolve conflicts between the Immovable Property Tax Act and certain Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), notably with South Africa, were approved. This includes temporarily exempting South African nationals and nationals of countries with similar provisions, pending the renegotiation of the affected DTAAs.
Additionally, the Cabinet gave the green light for Seychelles to host the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) Annual General Meeting and Broadcasters Convention in October 2026, with the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) as the host institution. This event is anticipated to elevate Seychelles' regional profile and involvement in broadcasting.
The designation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora as the custodian Ministry for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Seychelles was approved. The Ministry will establish APRM National Structures to strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability.
The Cabinet approved new organizational structures for the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI), effective August 2026. This framework aims to enhance the delivery of science, technology, and innovation initiatives, supporting research and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, a National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Integrated Governance System was established to improve coordination and implementation of STI initiatives. This system seeks to foster improved policy coordination and effective delivery of the national STI agenda for socio-economic development.
Lastly, the Cabinet discussed the 2026 La Digue Transport Assessment, agreeing to proceed with road proclamations and allow approved buggies and pick-up vehicles onto the island, while halting new applications for additional vehicles until further notice. A scientific study will assess the island's sustainable limits for vehicles, tourism, and future development.
