AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & Governance: Seychelles President Patrick Herminie urged African leaders to link governance, investment and technology to turn digital ambitions into jobs and trade at the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium in New York. Media & Culture Diplomacy: African Initiative marked its third anniversary with Seychelles-based celebrations, including a special exhibition spanning politics, culture, sport, education, humanitarian aid, city life and nature—while Russian diplomats also praised the agency’s Russia–Africa information bridge. Language & Heritage: A feature explores how French-based Creoles became full languages with their own histories and structures, highlighting why Creole–French differences go beyond vocabulary. Wellness Trends in the Indian Ocean: National Geographic Traveller spotlights a shift from classic spa routines to nature-led rituals and diagnostic wellness across Seychelles and neighbours. Festival Kreol Music: Festival Kreol 2026’s “Spektak 5 Kouler” lines up five long-running Seychellois voices for a career-spanning celebration of Kreolite. Sports & Community: Seychelles Athletes’ Commission ran an anti-doping and injury-prevention workshop for 19 Praslin athletes, reinforcing responsibilities in sport. International Football Friendly: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in the first FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, with Seychelles set to host the second match at the same venue.

Creole & French Roots: A new explainer traces how French-based Creoles became full languages, not “broken French,” outlining the shift from contact to pidgin to creole. Festival Kreol 2026 Music: Festival Kreol’s headline moment is set with “Spektak 5 Kouler,” bringing five long-running Seychellois voices together on one stage. Local Sport, Clean Sport Focus: Praslin athletes took part in an anti-doping and injury-prevention workshop led by the Seychelles Athletes’ Commission, aimed at safer, more responsible careers. Seychelles–India Cultural Links: A feature revisits 50 years of Seychelles–India ties through temple festivals, shared cuisine, and ongoing cultural exchange. Media & Community Spotlight: African Initiative marked its third anniversary with an exhibition in Seychelles highlighting culture, sport, education, humanitarian work, and local initiatives. Air Seychelles Route Disruption: Reports say Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Israel-bound Air Seychelles flight, forcing cancellation amid “political and diplomatic considerations.” International Friendly Result: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in a FIFA international friendly at Stade Linite, with the second match set for the same venue.

Wellness in the Indian Ocean: National Geographic Traveller spotlights a shift from “treatment menus” to landscape-led wellness across Seychelles, Mauritius, the Maldives and Sri Lanka—full-moon rituals, ocean-tide practices, and even diagnostic body screenings. Festival Kreol 2026 Music: Festival Kreol’s headline moment gets a boost with “Spektak 5 Kouler,” bringing five long-running Seychellois voices onto one stage. Media & Culture: African Initiative marks its third anniversary with an exhibition celebrating Seychelles’ politics, culture, sport, education, humanitarian work, urban life and nature—praised by local ministers and diplomats. Sports & Clean Sport: The Seychelles Athletes’ Commission runs a Praslin workshop for 19 athletes on anti-doping, injury prevention and athlete responsibilities. Seychelles-India Cultural Ties: A feature revisits 50 years of Seychelles–India links, from temple festivals and shared cuisine to ongoing cultural exchange. Regional Travel Shock: Reports say Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation amid “political and diplomatic considerations.”

Festival Kreol 2026: A fresh commentary piece marks the World Creole Music Festival’s 25th anniversary, arguing the event’s funding and policy decisions were rooted in Cabinet authority and due process, with Tourism Minister Norris Prevost named as a key early driver. Kreolite in the spotlight: Festival Kreol 2026’s headline musical moment is set with “Spektak 5 Kouler,” bringing together five veteran voices—Stephen Eliza, Vincent Eliza, Carlos Dorasamy, Barry Barra and Jean-Daniel Barra—for a career-spanning celebration. Sports & culture, local focus: The Seychelles Athletes’ Commission ran a Praslin workshop for 19 athletes on anti-doping, injury prevention and sporting responsibilities. Seychelles-India ties: A cultural cooperation feature highlights decades of exchange, from temple festivals and cuisine links to ongoing troupe and programme connections. SIDS DOCK leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie leads Seychelles as the country takes the SIDS DOCK Assembly presidency through Dec 2027, pushing sustainable energy and climate resilience. Regional travel disruption: Reports say Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the service amid “political and diplomatic considerations.”

Kreolite in the spotlight: Festival Kreol 2026’s headline musical moment, Spektak 5 Kouler, brings together five Seychellois voices—Stephen Eliza, Vincent Eliza, Carlos Dorasamy, Barry Barra and Jean-Daniel Barra—for a celebration of sound and community. Clean sport on Praslin: The Seychelles Athletes’ Commission ran an anti-doping, injury prevention and athlete-responsibility workshop for 19 Praslin athletes, supporting safer careers and better preparation. SAC Praslin session: The same Praslin programme underlines SAC’s push to strengthen athlete education alongside performance. Seychelles–India cultural ties: A feature marks 50 years of diplomatic friendship with a look at shared festivals, temple life, and Indian influences in Seychellois cuisine. Regional arts & culture: Cultural Cooperation: Seychelles-India adds context to the island’s ongoing creative exchange. Sports note: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in a FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, with the second match set for Sept 30. SIDS DOCK leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie leads Seychelles as the country takes over the SIDS DOCK presidency through Dec 2027.

Seychelles–India Cultural Ties: Seychelles and India mark 50 years of diplomatic friendship with deep cultural links—from Mahé’s Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple festivals to shared food traditions and ongoing exchange programmes. SIDS DOCK Leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie leads Seychelles as the country takes over the SIDS DOCK presidency through Dec 2027, pushing sustainable energy and climate resilience for small island states. Local Arts & Music Scene: Zilwa Reggae Bar’s rhythm, flavour and soul is spotlighted, keeping the islands’ live music culture in focus. Sports, With a Seychelles Connection: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in a FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, while chess coverage notes Seychelles opponents in international events. Travel & Culture Watch: A World Tourism Day 2026 piece argues tech and AI should redesign travel—but keep people at the heart, echoing the human side of tourism that Seychelles audiences value. Regional Disruption: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the service amid reported diplomatic tensions.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles takes over the SIDS DOCK Assembly presidency through December 2027, with President Dr Patrick Herminie leading the Tenth Session and pushing sustainable energy and climate resilience across Small Island Developing States. Air Seychelles Disruption: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation after “political and diplomatic considerations” were cited; Spirit World Productions says it’s working on alternative arrangements for affected passengers. FIFA Friendly: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in the first FIFA international friendly at Stade Linite, with goals in injury time, the 52nd minute, and the 76th. Digital Faith in Seychelles: A Seychelles participant, Ramya Camille, reflects on a Digital Faith Influencer formation that blends online evangelization with human dignity and compassion. Crypto Security (Seychelles-linked): Bitget says North Korea is very likely behind a $387.5m theft, after unauthorized transfers were detected from hot wallets at its Seychelles-based exchange. Cultural Ties: A look at Seychelles–India cultural cooperation, from shared festivals and temple life to cuisine influences. Fashion & Craft: Zimbabwean designers return from Durban Fashion Fair with lessons in storytelling and cross-border opportunities, including Seychelles participation. Hospitality & Style: Cheval Blanc Paris and a Dior Spa spotlight how luxury hotels are leaning into art, design, and experiential travel.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles will lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly through December 2027 after President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected to head the Tenth Session, with a focus on sustainable energy, climate resilience and development for Small Island Developing States. Air Travel & Politics: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation after “political and diplomatic considerations” were cited; reports also linked the move to Mauritius’ absence from Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address. Football Friendly: Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in the first FIFA international friendly at Stade Linite, with a penalty goal before halftime and two more strikes after. Chess Milestone: Team VI at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand saw the British Virgin Islands earn new Candidate Master titles, including a win over Seychelles. Fashion & Craft: Zimbabwean designers returned from their debut at the Durban Fashion Fair with lessons on storytelling and cross-border opportunities, with Seychelles among participating countries. Crypto in the Spotlight: Seychelles-based Bitget says North Korea is very likely behind a major hack, raising the reported theft to about $388m.

SIDS DOCK Presidency: Seychelles’ President Dr Patrick Herminie has been elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s Tenth Session, with the country taking the presidency through December 2027—aiming to push sustainable energy, climate resilience and development for Small Island Developing States. Air Travel & Politics: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation; reports cite “political and diplomatic considerations,” with Spirit World Productions working to rebook affected passengers. Crypto Security (Seychelles-linked): Bitget says North Korean hackers are very likely behind a $387.5m theft after unauthorized transfers from its hot wallets; the Seychelles-based exchange says cold wallets and Bitget Wallet users were not affected. Football (Seychelles in focus): Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in a FIFA friendly at Stade Linite, with the return match set for Sept 30. Local Sports: Namibia’s Young Warriors reached the u20 Cosafa Cup semis after a 3–0 win over Seychelles. Arts & Culture: Zilwa Reggae Bar in Praslin continues to draw locals and visitors with its music-and-food island vibe.

Seychelles in the spotlight (sports): Sri Lanka beat Seychelles 3–0 in a FIFA international friendly at Stade Linite, with Adhavan Raja Mohan scoring a first-half penalty and adding a second from a free kick, then Dillon de Silva sealed it in the 76th minute; the return match is set for 30 September. Chess achievement (youth & talent): Team VI wrapped up its 2026 Chess Olympiad run in Samarkand with three Candidate Master milestones, including Shamoy Joseph and Kiara Phillip earning titles, while Jhon Samuel became eligible for a conditional Candidate Master. Fashion & regional creativity: Bulawayo designers Sibusisiwe Falala and Langelihle Ndlovu returned from their debut at Durban Fashion Fair, sharing lessons on craftsmanship, storytelling and cross-border opportunities, with Seychelles among participating countries. Tourism & travel disruption: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation amid “political and diplomatic considerations,” with Air Seychelles and the tour operator working on alternatives. SIDS DOCK leadership: President Patrick Herminie led Seychelles as the country took over the SIDS DOCK presidency through December 2027, focusing on sustainable energy and climate resilience. Digital culture & faith: A Seychelles-linked graduation story highlights “Digital Faith Influencers,” urging online evangelisation that keeps the human person at the centre. Maritime & environment (community sport): The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caïman drew 34 participants for a 5km course tied to International Coastal Cleanup Day, with youth and sports officials and diplomats in attendance.

Aviation & Tourism Shock: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, forcing cancellation after last-minute approval failed; the Israeli tour operator Spirit World Productions says the refusal was due to “political and diplomatic considerations,” with separate reports linking it to Mauritius’ absence from Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address. Seychelles in Regional Leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session through December 2027, positioning Seychelles to push sustainable energy and climate resilience across Small Island Developing States. World Tourism Day 2026: Coverage marks Sept 27 with a debate on how AI and digital identity are reshaping travel—while stressing tourism must stay human, rights-focused, and community-led. Seychelles Mentioned in Global Tech Security: Seychelles-based crypto exchange Bitget reported a major hot-wallet theft, with CEO saying North Korea is very likely behind the $387.5m incident. Arts & Culture Pulse: Seychelles’ presence also appears in wider entertainment coverage, from regional fashion and film festival notes to local music and culture stories.

World Tourism Day 2026: In El Salvador, leaders debated how AI and digital identity can redesign travel—while insisting tourism must stay human at its core. Seychelles in regional leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s 10th session, with Seychelles set to hold the presidency through December 2027. Air travel disruption: Mauritius denied landing clearance for an Air Seychelles flight from Israel, cancelling the service amid claims of “political and diplomatic considerations.” UN focus on online crime: At the UN General Assembly, countries called for stronger cross-border action against online scams, trafficking and tech-enabled criminal networks. Seychelles at the UN: Herminie urged Africa to secure at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, alongside stronger maritime security and climate action. Local culture & community: Praslin’s Zilwa Reggae Bar spotlighted its music-and-food pull, while Roche Caïman’s Clean Shores Run mixed sport with coastal cleanup awareness. Sports: Namibia’s Young Warriors beat Seychelles 3-0 in the u20 Cosafa qualifiers, booking semifinal progress.

Culinary & Culture: At Mauritius’ Constance Festival Culinaire, visiting Michelin-star chefs mentored competitors across Seychelles and the Maldives, serving standout dishes from pine-needle ice cream with caviar to lamb with curry crust—proof that “festival” can also feel like a rare, stress-free escape. Fashion Diplomacy: BRICS+ Fashion Summit heads to Moscow (28–30 Sept) alongside Moscow Fashion Week, with South Africa’s Soweto Fashion Week pushing the idea that runway dialogue should turn into real markets, investment, and talent movement—an angle Seychelles Fashion Week leaders will recognise. Seychelles on the UN Stage: President Patrick Herminie told the UN General Assembly that Africa deserves at least two permanent Security Council seats with veto power, while also flagging maritime security, illegal fishing, and climate pressures as urgent island-state priorities. Local Arts & Lifestyle: Praslin’s Zilwa Reggae Bar keeps drawing crowds with its laid-back island rhythm, pairing music and food in Grand Anse. Sports Spotlight: Namibia’s Young Warriors made history with a 3–0 win over Seychelles in the COSAFA U20 qualifiers, booking the semi-finals with a perfect group run. Digital Faith: A Seychelles graduate shared how “Digital Faith Influencer” training is about human dignity and compassion online—not just posting content. Maritime Awareness: Roche Caïman’s Clean Shores Run blended sport with coastal cleanup messaging, supported by the Russian Embassy and Seychelles’ Youth and Sports Ministry.

BRICS+ Fashion in Moscow: The 2026 BRICS+ Fashion Summit (Sept 28–30) runs alongside Moscow Fashion Week (from Sept 26), with South Africa represented via Soweto Fashion Week and Seychelles Fashion Week’s Tery Carola also in the mix—this year’s focus is turning runway dialogue into real markets, investment and talent movement. Seychelles at the UN: President Patrick Herminie used the UN General Assembly to push for Africa’s at least two permanent Security Council seats with veto power, while flagging maritime security, illegal fishing and climate action as priorities for small island states. Seychelles in the spotlight beyond politics: A Seychelles-based crypto exchange, Bitget, says North Korean hackers are very likely behind a ~$387.5m theft tied to hot-wallet activity (cold wallets unaffected). Local culture & lifestyle: Zilwa Reggae Bar on Praslin continues to draw locals and visitors with its Friday-night music-and-food vibe. Sport (regional): Namibia’s Young Warriors beat Seychelles 3-0 in the u20 Cosafa qualifiers, booking semi-final qualification.

Seychelles at the UN: President Patrick Herminie used his UN General Assembly address to back Africa’s push for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, while also flagging maritime security, illegal fishing, and the need for stronger intelligence-sharing and climate action. Digital faith in Seychelles: A Catholic digital faith formation programme saw Seychelles participant Ramya Camille describe “Digital Faith Influencer” work as respecting human dignity and using online presence to lead others toward Christ. Local sport spotlight: Namibia’s Young Warriors made history by beating Seychelles 3-0 in the u20 Cosafa qualifiers, booking semi-final spots with a perfect group record. Arts & culture on the islands: Zilwa Reggae Bar in Praslin continues to draw locals and visitors with its Friday-night music-and-food vibe. Fashion & global links: BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns in Moscow (28–30 Sept), with Seychelles Fashion Week’s Tery Carola among key voices. Tech and security (Seychelles-linked): Bitget, a Victoria-based exchange, says North Korea is very likely behind a $387.5m theft tied to hot-wallet infrastructure.

Seychelles at the UN: President Patrick Herminie used the 81st UN General Assembly to back Africa’s push for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, while also flagging maritime security, illegal fishing, and the need for stronger intelligence-sharing and surveillance for small island states. Local arts & culture: Praslin’s Zilwa Reggae Bar keeps drawing locals and visitors with its laid-back island vibe, music, and food—another reminder that Seychelles nightlife is its own kind of cultural export. Media freedom spotlight: In the DRC, journalist Virginie Manganga was arrested over an interview tied to allegations involving musician Fally Ipupa, with CPJ calling for her immediate release and defamation laws to be decriminalised. Sport with Seychelles in the mix: Namibia’s Young Warriors beat Seychelles 3-0 in the u20 Cosafa qualifiers, booking a semifinal spot after a perfect Group A run. Clean Shores Run: Roche Caïman hosted the 5km Clean Shores Run for International Coastal Cleanup Day, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador among participants. Seychelles fashion & business: Seychelles Fashion Week CEO Tery Carola is set to feature as BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns to Moscow (28–30 Sept), with African fashion leaders gathering to discuss investment and trade.