AGP Executive Report

Weather & Travel Disruption: A UK heatwave is driving bank holiday chaos—Met Office alerts for 30–33C and near five-hour ferry delays at Dover, with holidaymakers caught in sweltering queues. Maritime Security: At the same time, fears are rising over Somali pirate tactics as cruise and luxury vessels face fresh attacks and hostage-taking patterns. Seychelles Tourism Leadership: Locally, Seychelles is pushing ahead with sector momentum: Vesna Rakić appointed CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, while Air Seychelles board leadership is refreshed—signals of a tighter focus on global positioning and connectivity. Culture Policy: The National Assembly also approved the Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026, setting up the abolition of SNICHA and bringing cultural institutions under direct ministry control. Environment in Action: And on the ground, the Cleanup Marathon returned for a second stage in Victoria, with students and residents tackling Les Mamelles and Plaisance.

Travel Chaos in the Heat: Bank-holiday crowds hit the Port of Dover hard, with ferry queues stretching to nearly five hours as hot weather and suspended EU border checks collide with new processing demands. Piracy Update: Somali pirates are reportedly escalating again, with cruise-ship attacks and larger armed groups pushing a renewed wave of fear across key shipping routes. Seychelles Tourism Power Moves: Vesna Rakić has been appointed CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, as the country also tightens tourism and aviation leadership with Air Seychelles board changes—while Tourism Seychelles runs a China media familiarisation trip and an India roadshow after strong visitor growth. Culture Governance: Seychelles’ Assembly approved a Culture, Heritage and Arts Bill that reshapes institutions under the Ministry, including moving away from SNICHA. Local Environment: Victoria’s second Cleanup Marathon pulled in schoolchildren and adults to clear key districts and public sites. Regional Security: Seychelles joins India’s PRAGATI 2026 counter-terror drill in Meghalaya with 12 partner nations.

Cleanup Momentum in Mahe: Seychelles’ second stage of the Cleanup Marathon rolled through Victoria, with schoolchildren and adults clearing Les Mamelles and Plaisance areas and cleaning near TeleSesel and the Plaisance district administration—an effort framed as more than litter removal, but a push for cleaner streets and continued community action. Tourism & Aviation Leadership: The government named Vesna Rakić as CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and reshuffled Air Seychelles board leadership, signaling a renewed focus on tourism growth and stronger connectivity. Regional Security Drills: Seychelles is among 12 nations taking part in India’s PRAGATI 2026 counter-terrorism exercise in Meghalaya, aimed at joint coordination and interoperability. Culture Policy Shift: The National Assembly approved the Seychelles Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026, setting up the abolition of SNICHA and bringing institutions back under the Ministry. Global Spotlight: UN Tourism’s push to define where small island states fit in governance continues to be debated as the agency tackles climate, digital transition, and resilience.

Seychelles Tourism & Aviation Shake-Up: Seychelles has named Vesna Rakić as CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and confirmed new Air Seychelles board leadership, with Capt. François Jackson re-appointed as Chairperson and Jean Laporte brought in as Vice-Chairperson—moves aimed at tightening tourism strategy and boosting connectivity. Regional Security Drills: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise is underway in Meghalaya, with 12 friendly nations including Seychelles training for counter-terrorism and joint operations, underscoring how the Indian Ocean security agenda keeps drawing island states in. Culture Policy Reset: The National Assembly approved the Seychelles Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026, setting up the abolition of SNICHA and bringing its institutions back under direct ministry control. Pan-African Governance Spotlight: In Kigali, Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin warned Africa loses about $88.6bn a year to corruption and illicit flows, calling for tougher, coordinated action. Space for Girls Goes Global: Mission ShakthiSAT—an all-girls Moon satellite mission involving 108 countries—continues expanding its international education push.

Botswana Rights Reset: Botswana has formally removed colonial-era clauses that criminalised consensual same-sex relations, aligning the penal code with court rulings from 2019 and 2021—though social pushback is already rising ahead of a major marriage equality case in July. Thailand Travel Tightening: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free stay for over 90 countries, moving back toward 30 days for most, citing security and administrative concerns. Regional Security Drills: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral counter-terrorism exercise is underway in Meghalaya with 12 partner nations, including Seychelles, focused on joint coordination in tough terrain. Seychelles Culture Policy: The National Assembly has approved a Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026, setting up the abolition of SNICHA and bringing institutions back under the Ministry. Pan-African Mobility: Togo has introduced visa-free entry for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, with a required travel declaration.

Regional Security: India’s multilateral counter-terror drill PRAGATI 2026 has kicked off at Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya with 12 friendly nations, including Seychelles, as troops arrive for a two-week programme built around joint planning, tactical training, and defence-to-defence learning. Culture & Governance: Seychelles’ National Assembly has approved the Culture, Heritage and the Arts Bill 2026, setting up the abolition of SNICHA and bringing its institutions back under the Ministry. Youth Tech & Education: Bitget starts its second year backing UNICEF’s Game Changers Coalition, adding financial literacy and AI modules for hundreds of thousands of young people across eight countries. Tourism Push: Tourism Seychelles is deepening ties with India after nearly 75% growth in 2025 arrivals, using a three-city roadshow to court premium travel, weddings, and MICE. Travel Connectivity: Air Canada launches a new direct summer route between Palma (Mallorca) and Montréal from 18 June.

Governance Watch: A fresh op-ed argues Curaçao’s rare one-party parliamentary majority could finally bring stability and faster decisions—but warns that bigger power also makes mistakes harder to hide, putting governance quality under a brighter public spotlight. Regional Security: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise has kicked off in Meghalaya, with 12 friendly nations including Seychelles, focusing on counter-terrorism drills in tough terrain and interoperability. Mobility & Tourism: Air Canada launched a new summer direct route between Palma de Mallorca and Montréal, aiming to boost travel links across the Atlantic. Anti-Corruption Push: Africa’s parliamentarians, led by Alban Bagbin, renewed calls to tackle corruption and illicit flows—citing losses of about $88.6bn a year. Tech & Finance (Seychelles-linked): Bitget kept rolling out crypto education and products from its Seychelles base, including Web3 training with the University of Geneva and new trading/yield initiatives. Travel Culture: Four Seasons unveiled 2028 private-jet luxury itineraries, while London’s appeal is shifting from landmarks to “expertise” experiences.

Regional Security: India’s PRAGATI 2026 drill kicked off in Meghalaya with troops from 12 friendly nations—including Seychelles—focusing on counter-terror work in jungle and semi-mountain terrain, plus interoperability and a showcase of Indian defence innovations. Anti-Corruption Push: Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin warned Africa loses about $88.6bn a year to corruption and illicit flows, urging stronger vigilance as APNAC Africa meets in Kigali. Visa-Free Momentum: Togo joined the visa-free club for all African nationals (up to 30 days), following similar moves by Ghana and others—aimed at boosting African integration and mobility. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A Seychelles Nature Trail champion, Waqar Ahmad Nasir, defended his title abroad, while local cultural ties keep expanding through international art awards and partnerships. Travel & Culture: Air Canada launched a new Palma–Montréal summer route, and Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort will host the World Travel Awards Europe Gala in Montenegro. Tech & Markets: Bitget kept busy with new listings, education with the University of Geneva, and fresh real-world assets research.

Grief and justice spotlight: Kumanjayi Little Baby’s mother has shared a raw tribute after the five-year-old’s alleged murder, recalling her love of Bluey and K-pop as police charged Jefferson Lewis with her killing. Regional mobility: Togo has joined the visa-free push for Africans, granting visa-free entry for up to 30 days, while Thailand moves to end its 60-day visa-free stay scheme. Seychelles in the spotlight: Seychelles-linked cultural diplomacy continues, from a Seychelles high commissioner meeting in India to Seychelles’ presence in international rankings and events. Culture and arts: Ghana’s Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards honoured artists including Seychelles’ Leon Raddegonde, while Ekasi Fashion Week turns taxi ranks into runways. Business and travel: Pam Golding opens in Dubai; Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines expand codeshares and loyalty perks.

Visa-Free Push: Togo has just rolled out visa-free entry for all African nationals with valid passports, allowing stays of up to 30 days—while still requiring security, immigration and public-health checks. Anti-Corruption Spotlight: APNAC chair Alban Bagbin used a Kigali board meeting to call for tougher action against corruption and illicit financial flows, citing Africa’s huge annual losses. Cultural Recognition: Ghana’s Manhyia Palace Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards honoured eight artists, including Seychelles’ Leon Raddegonde, as the programme deepens international cultural partnerships. Seychelles in the Mix: A Seychelles Nature Trail crowned Pakistani runner Ahmad Wiqar Nasir again, while local sports and culture initiatives keep expanding across the islands. Crypto & Tech Noise: Bitget announced new listings and trading programmes from its Seychelles base, adding momentum to the week’s tech-heavy headlines.

Arts & Heritage: Ghanaian powerhouse Ibrahim Mahama was named a Laureate at the second Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards at Manhyia Palace, with Seychelles’ own Leon Raddegonde also honoured—an awards push organised by Manhyia Palace Museum with UNESCO and Justice and Repairs, and framed as a 10-year programme for both local and international cultural impact. Aviation & Mobility: Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines expand their codeshare and loyalty links from 1 June, adding more onward connections and reciprocal rewards. Regional Spotlight (Seychelles-linked): Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India met Assam’s governor to deepen tourism, ecological cooperation and student exchanges. Culture on the Move: Ekasi Fashion Week keeps turning township taxi ranks into runways, shifting public spaces through fashion and community energy. Travel Rankings: U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “best countries” list places Seychelles among Africa’s top performers for living and visiting.

UAE AI Push: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid says the UAE has launched a national “Agentic AI” programme, aiming to put agent-style AI into 50% of government services, training 80,000 employees and approving AI upgrades for healthcare and citizen/business service bundles. Crypto Market Moves (Seychelles-linked): Bitget rolled out “Delta Neutral Mode” for hedged traders, while also expanding listings and access—adding OpenAI-linked pre-IPO trading on IPO Prime and completing Mexico registrations for Central America growth. Asante Heritage & Arts: Manhyia Palace Museum honoured eight laureates at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, including Seychelles’ Leon Raddegonde, as restitution talks with major museums enter a new phase. Local Culture in Motion: Ekasi Fashion Week keeps turning taxi ranks into runways, and Seychelles’ 3rd Nature Trail crowned Ahmad Wiqar Nasir again. Regional Cultural Links: Seychelles’ High Commissioner met Assam’s governor to boost tourism, ecology and student exchanges.

Cultural Exchange Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s award-winning Hwamanda Dance Troupe is set to headline the Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship Food for Life Festival on May 30 in Seychelles, bringing UNESCO-recognised dance and “fireworks” after a recent NasFest win in Lilongwe. Education & Community Development: IMKAN Misr signed an MoU with AASTMT to allocate 45 feddans in Alburouj for a new campus, tying education to a master-planned “perfect circle” community. Diplomacy Watch: Tory MP Michael Chong arrived in Taipei despite China’s warning, while Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland says cooperation is expanding fast across security, energy, infrastructure, tech and trade. Seychelles in the Region: Seychelles’ High Commissioner to India met Assam’s governor to push cultural exchange, sustainable tourism and student links. Travel & Connectivity: Air Tanzania plans direct Tanzania–Russia flights via Moscow later this year, with Seychelles listed in the route plan.

Israel–Somaliland Pivot: Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, says ties are accelerating beyond security into energy, infrastructure, tech, education, communications and trade after Israel’s December 2025 recognition. Seychelles–India People-to-People: Seychelles High Commissioner Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche met Assam’s governor in Guwahati, pushing cultural exchange, ecological cooperation, tourism links and student academic visits. Seychelles in the Wider Region: Tanzania’s ATCL plans direct Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar–Moscow flights via Seychelles later this year, part of a broader Tanzania–Russia deal. Cultural Diplomacy: Alain St. Ange highlights a Seychelles–Nigeria push for cultural and economic travel ties, while Ghana’s Manhyia Palace Museum spotlights restitution and international art links that include Seychelles’ Leon Raddegonde. Local Life & Youth: An Outward Bound-style programme is set to bring inner-island outdoor learning to Praslin and La Digue children via Mahe. Politics & Security: President Patrick Herminie confirmed Seychelles received arms from Russia, linking it to shifting geopolitics and denying fuel purchases claims.

Food & Diplomacy Backlash: India’s “Atithi Devo Bhava” hospitality message is getting mocked after visiting leaders were served all-vegetarian state banquet menus—sparking online outrage in a country where most people eat meat. Regional Diplomacy: Seychelles’ High Commissioner met Assam’s governor in Guwahati, pushing cultural exchange, education links, and sustainable tourism. Aviation & Trade: Tanzania’s ATCL plans direct flights to Moscow later this year, routing via Seychelles to boost tourism and business ties. Africa’s Energy Pressure: A new look at fuel costs highlights how rising gasoline prices ripple through transport, food, and everyday costs across the continent. Israel-Somaliland Pivot: Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland says ties are expanding beyond security into energy, infrastructure, tech, and education after formal recognition last December. Seychelles in the Wider Cultural Orbit: Seychelles’ mayoral voice appears at global city talks in Chengdu, while Seychelles’ creative links also surface through international arts and restitution coverage.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Tanzania (ATCL) says it will launch direct flights between Tanzania and Russia via Moscow later this year, with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar connected through Seychelles using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—part of a wider Tanzania–Russia deal signed in Arusha that also targets cooperation in agriculture, energy, education, transport and logistics. Fuel Prices Watch: A new look at May 2026 shows several African countries facing especially high fuel costs, with Nigeria highlighted for fast-moving petrol price changes tied to deregulation and currency pressure. Seychelles–Africa Diplomacy: Alain St. Ange points to a fresh Seychelles–Nigeria push for deeper cultural and economic ties, while also flagging how outbreaks like Hantavirus could ripple into travel and tourism planning. City Sustainability: Mayors gathered in Chengdu for the World Mayors Dialogue on building cleaner, greener, more resilient cities. Arts & Restitution: Ghana’s Manhyia Palace Museum honoured artists including Seychelles’ Leon Raddegonde, as restitution and heritage protection stay firmly on the agenda.