Against the backdrop of advisories by the European Union and several other countries encouraging citizens to maintain emergency supplies, the Government of Seychelles wishes to reassure the public that national preparedness and the security of essential commodities have been an ongoing priority.

As early as March 2026, following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, President Dr. Patrick Herminie convened an extraordinary Cabinet meeting and initiated a National Economic Preparedness and Response Framework, establishing dedicated committees to anticipate potential disruptions, monitor essential supplies and coordinate timely interventions.

Since then, the Government has maintained a coordinated approach to national preparedness, including continuous monitoring of food and fuel stocks, strengthening contingency arrangements, diversifying sources of supply and exploring alternative shipping routes to reduce the country's vulnerability to international disruptions.

As part of its proactive approach to safeguarding national food security and ensuring the continued availability of essential commodities, Government provided an additional SCR 117.3 million in net lending to the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. This financing is to support the procurement and increase of strategic stocks of basic commodities, in line with Government's objective of maintaining approximately six months of reserves of essential goods.

These efforts have also involved engagement with international partners, suppliers and the private sector to safeguard the availability of essential commodities, including food, fuel and medicines.

In addition, during the mid-year review, Government provided an additional SR 20 million primarily for the animal feed subsidy program. This investment is part of the Government's broader approach to food security, balancing the need to maintain adequate imported food stocks in the immediate term with measures to strengthen domestic production and reduce our vulnerability to disruptions in external production in the medium and longer term. This support will continue as part of the 2027 budget.

Preparedness has therefore not been a response to the latest international advisories, but part of a sustained programme of preventive measures initiated several months ago.

As the administration completes its first year in office, the Government remains committed to anticipating emerging risks, taking timely and responsible decisions, and protecting the population from the impact of external shocks.

The Government will continue to monitor international developments closely, strengthen national resilience and take further measures as circumstances require.