President Wavel Ramkalawan, yesterday Wednesday 22nd January, chaired the first scheduled meeting of the Cabinet for the year 2025, in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
The Cabinet approved the designation of Curieuse Island as a National Park under the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act 2022. This decision formalises the island’s status as a protected area, recognising its rich biodiversity, cultural significance, and contribution to eco-tourism. Historically significant as a former leprosy settlement and now home to globally unique species such as the Coco-de-Mer and Aldabra giant tortoise, Curieuse Island also features landmarks like the Doctor’s House museum and leper colony ruins. Managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, the island attracts over 50,000 visitors annually with activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife observation. The designation aligns with Seychelles' national policies and international commitments to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The Cabinet approved the revised Seychelles National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP), marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s preparedness to manage oil spill incidents effectively. The updated plan addresses Seychelles' vulnerability as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) heavily reliant on its marine environment for tourism, fisheries, and maritime transport, and situated near major international shipping routes with increasing offshore exploration. The revised NOSCP incorporates advancements in oil spill detection, monitoring, and response, integrates the Incident Command System (ICS) into the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP), and emphasises stakeholder collaboration, regular training, and capacity-building exercises. By aligning with international agreements such as the Nairobi Convention and the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC); as well as national legislation like the Environment Protection Act 2016, the plan aims to minimise environmental, social, and economic impacts while safeguarding Seychelles’ sensitive marine ecosystems.
The Cabinet approved the designation of five sites in the south of Mahé—Anse Intendance, Anse Cachee & Anse Corail, Anse Bazarca, Anse Petite Police, and Anse Grand Police—as seasonal protected areas under the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act (2022). This decision aims to safeguard critical nesting habitats for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered green turtle during their nesting season from October to April. Measures will include restricting harmful activities and development while encouraging community involvement, ecological restoration, and awareness campaigns. The initiative reflects Seychelles' commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and preserving its unique natural heritage for future generations.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Trade of Wild Fauna and Flora Act 2021. These amendments are critical to align Seychelles' legislation with its obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and enhance the country’s ability to combat illegal wildlife trade while safeguarding its biodiversity. The changes will close gaps in enforcement and compliance, update key definitions, designate the Scientific Authority, and strengthen regulations on permits and penalties. This decision underscores Seychelles' commitment to achieve full compliance under CITES, moving from Category 2 to Category 1, and reinforce its global leadership in biodiversity conservation.
The Cabinet approved the preparation and presentation of the Second Seychelles Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2025. Building on the success of the first VNR in 2020, the 2025 review will assess progress, address challenges, and accelerate actions across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and evidence-based analysis. The Cabinet endorsed the proposed methodology, which includes the establishment of technical working groups, an action plan, comprehensive reporting, and a robust communication strategy to engage stakeholders and foster national ownership of the SDGs. This initiative reinforces Seychelles' commitment to sustainable development and its alignment with global and regional SDG goals.
The Cabinet approved the Climate Finance Roundtable to be held on February 24, 2025, at the Savoy Resort, Beau Vallon. This event, organised in collaboration with the IMF and the World Bank, will address Seychelles' climate-related investment needs, mobilising resources to meet targets outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Development Strategy (2024–2028), and the Climate Finance Resource Mobilisation Strategy (CFRMS). By engaging key stakeholders, including domestic entities like SeyCCAT and international organisations such as the African Development Bank and United Nations agencies, the roundtable aims to foster enhanced collaboration, explore innovative financing models, and advance programmatic climate finance options. This initiative reflects Seychelles’ commitment to addressing its vulnerability to climate risks and strengthening its resilience and sustainability.
The Cabinet approved the disposal of two Y-12 aircrafts, one by the Islands Development Company (IDC) and the other by the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), following recommendations from the Ministry of Finance, National Planning, and Trade (MFNPT). The decision ensures operational efficiency by eliminating redundant and economically unviable assets, with IDC replacing its aircraft with a Tecnam STOL and SDF salvaging parts from its grounded Y-12E. Proceeds from the disposals will offset the cost of replacements, and all steps will adhere to governance and compliance requirements, including addressing documentation gaps and ensuring transparency.
The Cabinet approved a five-year tax holiday for emerging businesses in priority sectors outlined in the 2024 Budget, including manufacturing, the blue economy, and the digital economy. The approved measures focus on fostering local production, innovation, and sustainability through activities such as fruit and vegetable processing, dairy and botanical product manufacturing, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and software development. This initiative aims to drive economic diversification, reduce import reliance, and attract investment, while excluding a loss carry forward provision during the tax holiday period to maintain fiscal integrity.
The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Revenue Administration (Electronic Filing of Documents) Regulations, 2024, under the Revenue Administration Act (RAA), 2009. These regulations empower the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) to establish a secure electronic filing service, standardising taxpayer interactions, including registration, document submissions, and payments, through the Seychelles Tax Portal. Provisions include mandatory user registration, use of electronic signatures, document retention in digital formats, and clear obligations for both taxpayers and the SRC to ensure system integrity and security. Alternative communication measures are also outlined to address potential system disruptions, reinforcing efficiency and transparency in the tax system.
The Cabinet approved the lifting of the moratorium on the purchase of residential property by non-Seychellois, alongside the adoption of new criteria to regulate such transactions. This decision aims to stimulate wealth creation, attract foreign direct investment, and increase government revenue through adjusted taxes, while safeguarding housing affordability for Seychellois. The new policy framework restricts non-Seychellois ownership to high-end residential properties above specific price thresholds, preserves state and affordable housing for local citizens, and incorporates measures such as increased sanction duties and periodic criteria reviews. Applications will be subject to due diligence and compliance with existing land use and tourism regulations, ensuring a balanced approach to economic and social priorities.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.