Cabinet clears major reforms across economy, education, and environment |24 July 2026
President Patrick Herminie chaired Cabinet meetings on July 17, 20, and 22, 2026, during which a series of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet endorsed the Fair Trading Commission Strategic Plan, setting a roadmap to strengthen consumer protection, promote fair competition, and improve enforcement of trading laws. The plan enhances operational effectiveness, stakeholder collaboration, and legislative reforms to ensure a responsive framework.
Approval was given for a Policy and Legal Framework for Pension Regulation, designating the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as supervisor of public and private pension schemes. The reforms establish a unified, risk-based framework to strengthen governance, transparency, and consumer protection.
Cabinet adopted national measures to support the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), including stronger advocacy, improved data capacity, and alignment of planning frameworks to better reflect Seychelles’ structural vulnerabilities and improve access to concessional financing.
The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and related regulations were approved, creating a framework for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). ENDS are classified as tobacco products, subject to advertising restrictions, sales controls, health warnings, and regulations on flavours, packaging, and disposable devices.
Cabinet endorsed engagement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to implement a Community Policing initiative, strengthening partnerships between police and communities, enhancing crime prevention, and modernising policing through training and technology.
Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Act, 2009 were approved to modernise Seychelles’ foreign exchange framework. Updates expand authorised dealers to include Credit Unions and Payment Service Providers, clarify domestic use of foreign currency, and strengthen regulation of transactions.
Cabinet approved the drafting of a Wildlife Protection Bill to replace the 1961 Act, providing a modern framework for conservation and sustainable management. The Bill strengthens measures against poaching, illegal trade, and mistreatment, while addressing welfare, rehabilitation, and human-wildlife interactions.
Seychelles’ application to join the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was approved, alongside engagement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Membership will support climate resilience, maritime security, disaster preparedness, and sustainable ocean management through space-based technologies.
Cabinet ratified Unesco’s Global Convention on Higher Education Qualifications, strengthening recognition of qualifications, promoting mobility, and enhancing international cooperation.
The National AI in Education Framework 2026–2030 was approved, providing a framework for safe, ethical integration of AI in schools. It strengthens governance, builds teacher capacity, promotes AI literacy, and prepares learners with future-ready skills.
Cabinet endorsed the Seychelles Agriculture Development Agency Bill, 2026 and the Biosecurity Agency of Seychelles Bill, 2026, establishing agencies to lead agricultural development and strengthen biosecurity against pests, diseases, and invasive species.
Finally, Cabinet approved an Accelerated Recovery Framework to transition from emergency fuel price interventions to sustainable operations. Measures include a R2 per litre increase in gasoil and mogas prices, targeted support, and phased restoration to safeguard Seypec’s sustainability and fuel security.
Press release – Office of the President