Seychelles enters its 51st year of independence with some of the best economic indicators on the African continent. With a GDP per capita estimated at $17,670 in April 2026 — the highest in Africa according to the IMF — the archipelago cements its status as the Indian Ocean's benchmark economy. The IMF projects 3.4% growth for 2027.
Port Victoria Extension and Airport Redevelopment
The Seychellois government has just announced tenders for the expansion of Victoria Port, positioned as a commercial connectivity hub linking Africa, Asia and Europe. An airport redevelopment programme is also underway. Port Victoria already handles approximately 80% of the region's tuna catch, with the sector representing around 20% of global tuna production via the world's largest tuna-fishing basin.
Tourism: +13% Arrivals in 2025
Tourist arrivals grew by 13% in 2025, supported by the 2026-2033 cruise tourism strategy validated earlier this year. Hotels are undergoing an upgrade programme with green incentives. In 2025, the archipelago became the smallest nation ever to host a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Business Environment: Regulatory Upgrade
The OECD upgraded Seychelles to 'Largely Compliant' on tax transparency, and the country was removed from the EU's list of non-cooperative jurisdictions. The Virtual Asset Service Providers Act (VASP) creates one of the region's first dedicated licensing regimes for digital assets. Companies can now be incorporated in 24 hours, with no foreign exchange controls.
Why It Matters
Seychelles is no longer just a luxury tourist destination: it is becoming a financial, logistics and digital hub for the entire Indian Ocean. The port expansion, combined with the regulatory upgrade, strengthens its appeal for regional and international investors seeking a stable base in the Indian Ocean zone.
Source: CNBC Africa, 2026; Seychelles News Agency.