Seychelles is strengthening its position as a reference international financial centre in Africa. The archipelago has been upgraded to Largely Compliant status by the OECD Global Forum on Tax Transparency, and has simultaneously been removed from the European Union's list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes — two strong signals for institutional investors.
A stable BB credit rating from Fitch reflects this positive trajectory. The archipelago applies no exchange controls, and its inflation is close to zero — among the lowest in Africa.
The VASP law: a crypto milestone
On the digital front, Seychelles has adopted legislation governing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This legal framework opens the door to token issuance and cryptocurrency exchanges in a regulated environment — a first for East Africa.
Standout economic indicators
With a GDP per capita of $17,670 (IMF, April 2026), Seychelles remains Africa's wealthiest country. The archipelago's exclusive economic zone exceeds 1.3 million km² and it sits in the world's second-largest tuna basin, accounting for around 20% of global production. Its port handles close to 80% of the region's tuna catches.
On business attractiveness: a company can be incorporated in 24 hours. Port Victoria is positioned as a commercial and connectivity hub linking Africa, Asia and Europe. Tenders are planned for port expansion and airport modernisation.
Why it matters
By exiting international blacklists and greylists and equipping the archipelago with a digital asset framework, Seychelles positions itself as a credible African alternative for holding companies, investment funds and fintech structures seeking a stable legal framework and predictable taxation.
Source: CNBC Africa, IMF, OECD, Fitch Ratings — 2026.