Seychelles Politics: Government Moves to Modernise Investment Rules

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles government has approved a new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy framework, marking a significant step toward updating the country's investment and trade legislation.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Patrick Herminie on September 9 and announced by State House on September 10.

Under the proposed framework, Seychelles plans to develop specialised zones covering financial services, free ports, trade and industrial parks, and the blue economy. The government also endorsed drafting a new Special Economic Zones Act to replace the International Trade Zone Act of 1995.

The framework would introduce new rules covering governance, licensing, investment incentives and substance requirements for different types of economic zones. The government says the approach is intended to support economic diversification, exports, logistics, innovation and employment while maintaining international tax and regulatory standards.

The proposal will now move toward the legislative process, with the new legislation expected to provide the legal foundation for the government's SEZ policy.

The decision comes as President Herminie’s administration continues establishing policy priorities following his assumption of office in 2025.