Seychelles: President Dr. Patrick Herminie led a pivotal Cabinet meeting on August 5th, resulting in the approval of several significant legal and policy memoranda. The meeting saw the endorsement of a Multi-Client Seismic Survey Agreement with Mauritius and Viridien, aiming to gather geological and geophysical data in the Mascarene Plateau Region. This initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of seabed and subsoil resources in the area while complying with environmental and legal standards.
According to African Press Organization, the Cabinet sanctioned a proposal to remunerate the Accounts Receivable Irrecoverable Debts Write-Off Committee and the Irrecoverable Government Loans and Debts Write-Off Committee. This move is aimed at bolstering oversight and accountability in handling irrecoverable government debts, with funding sourced from the Ministry's existing budget.
The Cabinet also tackled the conflicts between the Immovable Property Tax Act and certain Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), particularly with South Africa. A temporary exemption for South African nationals, pending renegotiation of the DTAAs, was approved, along with necessary legal and policy measures.
In a move to boost regional engagement, Seychelles will host the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) Annual General Meeting and Broadcasters Convention in October 2026, with the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation as the host institution. Preparations and inter-agency arrangements were approved to ensure a successful event, which will gather key broadcasting stakeholders from the SADC region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora was designated as the custodian Ministry for the African Peer Review Mechanism in Seychelles. This includes establishing and operationalizing national structures to enhance governance and transparency within the African Union framework.
Further, the Cabinet approved organizational frameworks for the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation. These structures aim to improve governance and coordination in science, technology, and innovation initiatives, aligning with the 2025 Act to foster an innovation-driven economy.
A National Science, Technology and Innovation Integrated Governance System was also established to bolster collaboration and implementation of STI initiatives across various sectors, supporting national socio-economic development.
Lastly, the Cabinet addressed the 2026 La Digue Transport Assessment, agreeing on measures to manage the island's transport system efficiently. This includes allowing approved vehicles onto La Digue, halting new applications for additional vehicles, and conducting a carrying capacity study to guide future policies.