President Wavel Ramkalawan, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday Wednesday 30th April, in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved the proposal for the enactment of the new Seychelles Gambling Bill to repeal the current Seychelles Gambling Act, 2014. The new Bill aims to modernise the gambling regulatory framework by establishing the Seychelles Gambling Commission as a single regulatory authority, consolidating licensing and supervision, enhancing consumer protection, promoting responsible gambling, and ensuring stronger regulatory oversight across all gambling activities, including online gambling and junket operations. It also introduces perpetual licenses, improved standards for gambling devices, fit and propriety assessments, and mechanisms for complaint handling and enforcement. Cabinet further approved the necessary consequential amendments to related laws to operationalise the transition to the new regulatory framework.
Cabinet approved amendments to Schedule 1 of the Public Enterprises Act, 2023, to reflect recent structural changes, including the addition of the Seychelles Aviation Handling Company Limited and the Seychelles Airport Authority, the renaming of the Seychelles Fishing Authority to Seychelles Fisheries Authority, and the transfer of Paradis des Enfants Entertainment Limited to the Ministry responsible for Local Government.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the to amend item (k) of the Second Schedule of the Income and Non-Monetary Benefits Tax Act, 2010 (INMBTA) to clearly define “total salary” as the basic salary plus all fixed allowances, excluding one-off allowances such as clothing allowances. The amendment, which clarifies the calculation for the tax exemption on end of contract payments, will be implemented effective 1st January 2025 to enhance clarity for taxpayers.
Cabinet approved the extension of Seychelles’ observer status in the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) to include all its bodies—namely, the Administrative and Legal Committee (CAJ), the Technical Committee (TC), and the Technical Working Parties (TWPs). Cabinet also approved that the Trade Division, the Department of Agriculture, and the Registration Division serve as the official representatives. This move strengthens Seychelles’ engagement with international plant variety protection systems, aligns with its WTO commitments, and prepares the country for potential future accession to the UPOV Convention.
Cabinet approved the indicative ceilings and macroeconomic assumptions for the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Strategy (MTES). This includes the updated fiscal framework. Cabinet also approved the full rollout of Zero-Based Costing (ZBC) across all portfolios. In addition, Climate Budget Tagging (CBT) will be implemented in all identified Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Ministries and Agencies are to align their budgets with the new ceilings and the National Development Strategy 2024–2028, ensuring fiscal consolidation targets are maintained.
Cabinet approved the Strategic Accommodation Establishment Development Plan for La Digue, marking a significant step in the island’s tourism planning. As part of the plan, the current moratorium on new tourism accommodation will be gradually lifted under carefully defined conditions. These conditions include a limit of 15 rooms per development and a total target of 156 new rooms over the next five years. The plan prioritises small-scale establishments to encourage a more diverse and sustainable tourism offering on the island. Cabinet also endorsed the establishment of an independent Evaluation Committee to assess project proposals based on sustainability criteria and compliance with planning regulations, and also approved the creation of a Taskforce to investigate and address illegal accommodation operations on the island.
Cabinet considered approved for Seychelles to continue supporting the Pandemic Accord alongside other WHO-AFRO countries. Cabinet noted that the Accord, aimed at strengthening global pandemic preparedness and response, aligns with Seychelles’ national laws, respects sovereignty and individual rights, and presents no conflict for the country. Cabinet further endorsed Seychelles’ position to vote in favour of the Pandemic Accord at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.
Cabinet approved the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan for the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), which outlines ten strategic goals to enhance policy coherence, institutional reform, and cross-sector coordination across agriculture, energy, and environment. Developed under the Results-Based Management framework and aligned with the National Development Strategy 2024–2028, the plan prioritises food security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. Its official launch is scheduled for 6 May 2025.
Cabinet took note of the key findings of the 2024 Vital Health Statistics Report. The report shows a continued decline in birth rates and a total fertility rate below replacement level. Maternal and infant mortality rates remain low and stable. The report also highlights changes in social patterns, with fewer marriages and steady divorce rates. Cabinet recognised the significance of these trends for national planning and called for targeted health and social interventions to respond to demographic changes.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.
