AGP Executive Report

Space Diplomacy: A Lowy Institute report says India’s space cooperation deal with Seychelles—covering ocean observation, marine science and coastal management—fits a wider “soft power” push using satellite services. Tourism & Travel: Atlas Ocean Voyages opened bookings for its new 400-passenger yacht Atlas Adventurer, with inaugural voyages that include Seychelles on a 128-night route. Corporate Moves in Africa: Diageo reported strong Africa momentum (organic profit +43.5%, net sales +13.3%) while targeting about $1bn in savings and pushing ahead with its planned sale of its stake in EABL to Asahi. Finance & Regulation: Seychelles regulator news: Elev8 secured a Securities Dealer Licence from the FSA, while Zoomex expanded its Strategy Center for crypto derivatives trading. Seychelles in Regional Networks: Seychelles’ visa-free strength in Africa was highlighted in a 2026 passport ranking, and Seychelles Tourism Board welcomed David Germain back to lead Americas/Canada marketing. Governance & Integrity: Rwanda and Seychelles were jointly top-ranked for anti-corruption progress in the Mo Ibrahim Index, with Rwanda still leading since 2016.

Gold & FX Watch: Gold jumped over 5% in four sessions as a coordinated US-Japan move propped up the yen, with USD/JPY sliding after Japan bought yen and Washington supported the defence via the Fed. Digital Finance & Trading: etoro expanded its Formula One footprint via a Pierre Gasly partnership, while Zoomex rolled out a Strategy Center to streamline backtesting and live strategy execution for crypto derivatives users. Seychelles in the Regulatory Spotlight: Elev8 secured a Seychelles Financial Services Authority brokerage licence, and Zoomex’s Strategy Center continues to expand its platform for verified users. Regional Business & Mobility: The US made its visa bond programme permanent for many African countries, raising the maximum refundable bond to $20,000—an issue for travel-linked trade and tourism planning. Seychelles Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador presented credentials to President Patrick Herminie, with talks including a visa waiver for official passports. Governance & Integrity: Rwanda and Seychelles topped a new Mo Ibrahim anti-corruption improvement ranking, with Seychelles cited for a major jump in scores. Tourism Leadership: Seychelles Tourism Board welcomed back veteran marketer David Germain to drive Americas and Canada marketing. CAF Football (Business Angle): Seychelles’ Foresters were drawn as a potential opponent for Angola’s Wiliete in CAF Champions League qualifiers, with the tie set to shape regional club exposure.

CAF Champions League Draw: Mamelodi Sundowns, set to defend their title in Angola, will face Wiliete of Angola or Seychelles’ Foresters after the Cairo qualifying draw—Foresters’ debut in the elite competition comes against a side that has strengthened with Angolan forwards Mabululu and Gilberto. Crypto & Regulation: Russia’s Sber plans crypto trading infrastructure by December 1, positioning itself as a crypto custodian as a new law makes crypto settlements legal for export/import firms. Seychelles in Finance: Elev8 secured a Seychelles Financial Services Authority Securities Dealer Licence, adding to its regulated footprint and signalling continued expansion. Visa Policy Shockwaves: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, raising the maximum refundable bond to $20,000 for citizens of 30 African countries, with case-by-case consular decisions. Digital Trade & Connectivity: Cable & Wireless Seychelles held prize-giving for its eShop and Multi View promotions, linking customer engagement with digital services. Governance & Integrity: Rwanda topped regional anti-corruption gains in the Mo Ibrahim Index, while Seychelles also recorded a major improvement. Tourism Leadership: David Germain returned to the Seychelles Tourism Board as Dedicated Representative for the Americas and Canada, aiming to boost long-haul market presence. Ocean Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Angelique Pouponneau urged real emissions cuts alongside ocean protection, criticising “hypocrisy” in climate messaging.

Financial Regulation: Elev8 secures a Securities Dealer Licence from Seychelles’ Financial Services Authority, signalling deeper compliance and governance as it expands its Seychelles brokerage footprint. US Immigration Policy: The US makes its permanent visa bond programme official, raising the maximum refundable bond to $20,000 for citizens of 30 African countries (with 24 exempt), a move aimed at reducing overstays. Regional Integration: South Africa prepares to host the 46th SADC summit in Durban, with leaders set to focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, food security and regional integration—Seychelles is among the 16 member states. Tourism & Trade: Seychelles Tourism Board brings back veteran marketer David Germain as Dedicated Representative for the Americas and Canada, while Cable & Wireless Seychelles celebrates eShop and FIFA World Cup promotion winners. Housing Development: NBCC (India) inks a landmark deal for the Île Aurore Housing Project—1,008 affordable homes—funded via a $75m Indian EXIM Bank line of credit. Digital & Cyber Risk: INTERPOL flags rising cyber threats across Africa, including Kenya’s sharp SIM-swap fraud surge and Ethiopia’s digital vulnerability ranking.

Seychelles–India Business & Tourism: A Seychelles-linked diplomatic and business spotlight continues as Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India appears among guests at India’s Pride of Bharat Leadership Summit, where policymakers and private sector leaders discussed entrepreneurship, MSMEs and investment pathways. Housing & Infrastructure: NBCC (India) signed a landmark deal with Seychelles to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, backed by a $75m EXIM Bank line of credit, including a sewage treatment plant and supporting infrastructure. Regional Mobility & Passports: Seychelles remains top in intra-African visa-free access rankings, with citizens able to enter 35+ African countries without a visa, reinforcing the island’s diplomatic leverage. Ocean, Climate & Governance: Seychelles’ ocean negotiator Angelique Pouponneau urged real emissions cuts alongside ocean protection, while a separate deep-sea mining update said the ISA failed to adopt a Mining Code, leaving key environmental and liability issues unresolved. Digital Economy & Security: World Bank research flags higher AI job displacement risk in high-income economies, and INTERPOL reports cyber threats rising across Africa, including mobile-money SIM-swap fraud surges in Kenya. Markets & Data: UCN launched a global tuna price tracker, adding weekly and monthly benchmarks tied to Seychelles and other key markets. Crypto & Trading Platforms: Bitget rolled out Private Copy Trading and TradingView integration, while also announcing a Japan exit with a hard deadline for closing open positions. Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador presented credentials to President Patrick Herminie, with both sides discussing education, medicine, culture, sports and an early visa waiver for official passports.

Housing Deal: NBCC (India) has signed a $75m line-of-credit agreement with Seychelles to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, including a sewage treatment plant and supporting infrastructure. Passport & Mobility: Seychelles is again highlighted as Africa’s top passport for intra-African travel, with visa-free access to 35+ African destinations, reinforcing the island’s diplomatic reach. Digital Jobs Risk: A World Bank study flags AI job displacement risk as far higher in high-income countries than in low- and middle-income economies. Cybersecurity Watch: Interpol reports Ethiopia ranks fifth in Africa for digital vulnerabilities, with mobile money fraud and ransomware among key threats. Women & Inequality: Afrobarometer data shows rural women across Africa face wider gaps than urban women in education, paid work, asset ownership and access to digital and financial tools. Trade & Data: UCN has launched a global tuna price tracker, including Seychelles-linked monthly assessments for key tuna routes. Tech Finance: Bitget says tokenized equities’ active market cap has jumped 140% in 2026, while it also rolls out TradingView integration and private copy trading on its CFD platform. Diplomacy in Space: Seychelles’ flag and coat of arms were sent to the International Space Station to mark 50 years of independence and friendship with Russia.

Housing & Infrastructure Deal: NBCC (India) has signed a landmark agreement with Seychelles to build the Île Aurore Housing Project—1,008 affordable homes plus key infrastructure—financed via a $75m EXIM Bank line of credit. Maritime & Energy Supply Chain: India’s GRSE secured a ₹1,032 crore ONGC contract to build four Platform Supply Vessels, boosting offshore logistics capacity and shipbuilding capability. Tuna Market Data: UCN has added a Global Tuna Price Tracker, bundling global benchmarks and wholesale pricing (including Seychelles-linked EU import data) for subscribers. Tourism Trade Push: OurAfrica.Travel announced its next virtual trade show dates for 22–26 Feb 2027, aiming to drive tourism business connections across Africa. Visa Policy Watch: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with deposits up to $20,000 potentially required for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries including Seychelles—raising compliance and travel-cost concerns. Crypto Platform Update: Seychelles-based Bitget announced changes for Japan users, including a close-only phase and forced liquidation of open positions after 31 Dec 2026. Academic Freedom Benchmark: A global index places Seychelles among the top improvers in academic freedom, with a sharp rise since 2015.

Housing Deal: NBCC (India) Limited signed a landmark agreement with Seychelles to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, supported by a $75m EXIM Bank line of credit and including key infrastructure such as a sewage treatment plant. Maritime & Energy Supply Chain: India’s GRSE won a ₹1,032 crore contract from ONGC to build four Platform Supply Vessels, boosting offshore logistics capacity and shipbuilding capabilities. Trade Data for Tuna Markets: UCN launched a Global Tuna Price Tracker for UCN Pro subscribers, consolidating benchmark prices and regional wholesale data including Seychelles-related monthly import indices. Crypto Platform Update (Seychelles-linked): Bitget, Seychelles-registered, rolled out native TradingView integration for its CFD platform and introduced Private Copy Trading, while also announcing Japan account wind-down steps for traders. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: An opinion piece from Seychelles highlights disappointment at the International Seabed Authority failing to adopt a Mining Code, calling for stronger environmental safeguards before commercial mining. Mobility & Visas: Algeria published a visa-exemption list that includes Seychelles, while the US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for selected B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Seychelles.

Intra-African Mobility: Seychelles tops a 2026 ranking for visa-free access to more than 35 African countries, with Benin and Ghana also in the top 10 and South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda rounding out the broadest travel freedom. Visa Policy Watch: Algeria published a visa-exemption list that includes only a small set of African countries—among them Seychelles—while most African travellers still need a visa. US Immigration Costs: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring applicants from 50 countries (including Seychelles) to post up to $20,000 for B1/B2 business and tourist visas, with refunds only if conditions are met. Crypto & Trading Platforms: Seychelles-registered Bitget rolled out Private Copy Trading with TradingView integration, but also announced a Japan exit—Japan users face close-only mode from Nov 1 and forced liquidation of open positions after Dec 31. Maritime Business: India’s GRSE won a ₹1,032 crore contract from ONGC to build four platform supply vessels, boosting offshore logistics capacity.

Tourism & Investment: AITEC World has unveiled two major international tourism events aimed at boosting Africa’s tourism sector, trade and investment, including a global launch in London on Nov 2, 2026 and an Africa Tourism Dialogue in Addis Ababa from Nov 12–14. EU Migration & Passports: Brussels has given six Caribbean states until 2028 to end citizenship-by-investment “golden passport” schemes or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen area, a move that could hit African demand. Crypto Markets: Bitget added 2U2.ai to spot trading, but also announced it is exiting Japan after Japan’s FSA warning—new registrations will be blocked from Aug 3 and positions will be forcibly liquidated after Dec 31, 2026. US Visa Rules: The US has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for selected B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries (including Seychelles), with bonds up to $20,000 at consular discretion. Seychelles-Linked Finance: Seychelles-based exchange Bitget’s Japan exit and the visa-bond policy both underline how global regulation is reshaping travel and capital flows. Maritime/Defence Trade: India’s GRSE won a Rs 1,032 crore contract from ONGC to build four platform supply vessels, strengthening offshore logistics capacity.

US Visa Policy: The U.S. has made permanent its visa bond programme for B1 business and B2 tourism applicants from 50 countries, effective 3 August 2026, with bond amounts set by consular officers at $10,000, $15,000 or up to $20,000 (the $5,000 option is gone). The bond is refundable if travellers leave on time and follow visa conditions, but forfeited for overstays or breaches—and the impact is heavily African, with 30 of the 50 countries on the list including Seychelles. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th independence anniversary with high-level events in New Delhi, with India’s minister highlighting deep people-to-people links and shared ocean-focused ambitions. Tourism & Business Spotlight: Seychelles’ Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism’s economic and community impact at Clevenard Open Project 2026 in Spain (27–30 August). Marine & Fisheries: A global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, calling for tighter limits and better retrieval responsibility.

US Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable deposits of up to $20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourism applicants from 50 countries—including Seychelles—starting August 3; the bond is returned if travellers comply and leave on time, but is forfeited for overstays. Schengen Travel Update: Spain says only Mauritius and Seychelles qualify for visa-free short stays in Spain under standard Schengen rules (up to 90 days in any 180), warning that travellers still must meet entry requirements and use the new digital border system. Seychelles Business & Innovation: Seychelles-based Fusepay launched Fuse360/FusePay, an AI-native operating and financial system for trade businesses, licensed by the Central Bank of Seychelles and aimed at fixing the “disconnect” between operations and payments. Tourism & Industry: Seychelles’ former tourism minister Alain St. Ange will deliver a keynote on tourism’s economic and community impact at Clevenard Open Project 2026 in Spain. Regional Health Funding: Seychelles joined 14 African countries and partners pledging over US$45m to support WHO’s first-ever Investment Round.

US Visa Bonds Made Permanent: The US State Department has turned its visa bond pilot into a permanent policy for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, raising the maximum refundable security deposit to $20,000 and removing the $5,000 option; Seychelles is listed among affected nations, with consular officers setting bond levels and refunds tied to compliance. WHO Funding Push: Fourteen African countries, including Seychelles, pledged over US$45m to the WHO’s first Investment Round, aiming to secure predictable financing for the next four years. Seychelles-India Business Ties: India marked Seychelles’ 50th independence anniversary with high-level receptions in New Delhi, highlighting decades of cooperation and people-to-people links. Seychelles Startup in Trade Finance: Fusepay launched Fuse360/FusePay, an AI-native operating and financial system for trade businesses, licensed by the Central Bank of Seychelles and set to expand regionally. Tourism & Industry Spotlight: Seychelles’ former tourism minister Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism’s economic and community impact at Clevenard Open Project 2026. Marine & Fisheries Watch: A study warns drifting tuna fishing gear and dFADs are affecting large portions of protected marine areas, including risks for Seychelles-linked waters.

US Visa Policy: The US State Department is making its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to demand refundable bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (including many in Africa), starting Monday—aimed at improving compliance and reducing overstays. Seychelles Trade & Fintech: Seychelles-headquartered Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating and financial system for wholesalers and distributors, with FusePay payments integrated for invoicing, credit, collections and supplier workflows; the firm is also preparing expansion into Mauritius. Local Business & Finance: NBCC (India) has signed a formal $75m affordable housing contract with the Government of Seychelles for 1,008 units at Île Aurore, turning an earlier letter of intent into a full agreement. Tourism & Industry: Seychelles tourism leadership stays in the spotlight as Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism’s economic and community impact at Clevenard Open Project 2026. Regional Risk Watch: Seychelles-based CFD broker Squared Financial appears to have halted withdrawals and account openings, with traders reporting withdrawal problems and support difficulties. Health Funding: Seychelles is among 14 African countries backing WHO’s first Investment Round with over US$45m pledged.

Hotel Geopolitics: A luxury resort plan on Seychelles-linked Assumption Island is drawing scrutiny as India and private backers turn strategic sites into high-end assets, raising questions about security and governance. Marine Protection: A new global study says drifting tuna fishing gear (dFADs) affects more than half of the world’s marine protected areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking and stronger retrieval responsibility. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th independence anniversary with major receptions in New Delhi, spotlighting decades of cooperation with India across people-to-people links and development. Trade & Payments Tech: Seychelles fintech Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating and financial system for wholesalers and distributors, with payments and operations managed in one workflow. Offshore Finance Watch: Seychelles-based CFD broker Squared Financial appears to have halted withdrawals and new account openings, with traders reporting access problems and complaints mounting. Tourism Pressure: Seychelles’ foreign affairs minister warned that Middle East conflict disruptions are hitting tourism and raising shipping and fuel costs, stressing the need for diversified routes and resilience tools. Crypto Sanctions: EU sanctions on exchange HTX could be softened by tactics, experts say, as the firm faces scrutiny over links to Russia’s crypto ecosystem. Regional Business Hiring: TenTrade appointed Wilfred Obasi as Africa Regional Director to drive growth and partnerships for its CFD and prop trading offering.

Seychelles–India 50th anniversary: Seychelles marked 50 years of independence with major receptions in New Delhi, highlighting five decades of diplomacy and people-to-people ties, with India stressing trust, shared values and ocean-focused cooperation. Seychelles economy under pressure: Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Faure warned the Middle East conflict is hitting tourism arrivals and raising shipping and fuel costs, urging faster regional shipping links and use of the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index. Seychelles housing deal: NBCC (India) formalised a $75m affordable housing contract with the Government of Seychelles for 1,008 units at Île Aurore. Fintech push: Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating and financial system for trade businesses, with FusePay payments integrated for inventory, invoicing, credit and collections. Trade & air cargo connectivity: Qatar Airways Cargo added freighter services and increased belly-hold capacity, including expanded Seychelles routes, while EU renewed its tuna fisheries agreement with Seychelles. Business leadership: TenTrade appointed Wilfred Obasi as Regional Director for Africa to drive growth in FX/CFD and prop trading. Crypto market moves: Bitget reported strong BTC/ETH derivatives liquidity depth in H1 2026, and Zoomex announced sponsorship for Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali. Environment: Research highlighted underwater noise risks to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles.