AGP Executive Report

Seychelles Tech & Finance: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA, aiming to expand in emerging markets with its mobile trading app and tighter local regulatory standards. Digital Public Infrastructure: India signed MoUs with 24 countries to share population-scale digital solutions, pushing globally connected digital services built on its DPI approach. Marine Science: A global study in Science Advances reports drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging stronger limits, better tracking, and company responsibility for retrieval. Coastal Resilience: IOC-UNESCO trained facilitators across the Indian Ocean, including Seychelles, to boost tsunami readiness using the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready indicators. Seychelles Housing (Business): NBCC formalised a $75m Seychelles affordable housing contract for 1,008 units at Île Aurore, upgrading an earlier letter of intent into a full agreement. Environment & Noise: New reporting highlights underwater noise from shipping as a growing threat to marine life in the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Crypto & Trading: BitMEX is set to shut down on 23 September 2026, while other firms keep rolling out trading products and apps.

Marine Conservation: A new global study in Science Advances says drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, with 6,324 strandings recorded across 174 protected areas (2007–2023), and calls for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility for lost gear. Ocean Health: Another report warns underwater noise from rising shipping is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters, as sound pollution disrupts communication and navigation for whales, dolphins, fish and invertebrates. Local Climate Action: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems with coastal communities at the center, aiming to boost resilience after repeated bleaching events. Seychelles Tech & Finance: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA, expanding its regulatory footprint as it pushes growth in emerging markets. Regional Preparedness: IOC-UNESCO trained facilitators from Seychelles and other Indian Ocean countries to strengthen tsunami readiness using the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Indicators. Honey Research: Seychelles agriculture welcomed an international researcher exploring a Geographical Indication (GI) for Seychelles honey. Digital Assets: Crypto exchange HTX faces EU sanctions, while Seychelles-based owner of BitMEX announced the exchange will shut down on 23 September 2026.

Seychelles Honey GI Push: A visiting researcher from Togo is in Seychelles for a six-week mission to explore a Geographical Indication for Seychelles honey, aiming to strengthen local value chains. Tsunami Readiness Training: UNESCO-IOC trained facilitators from across the North-West Indian Ocean, including Seychelles, to help coastal communities use the Tsunami Ready Indicators through practical hazard and inundation map work. Marine Noise Threat: New reporting flags underwater noise from rerouted shipping as a growing risk to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Seychelles Housing Deal: NBCC has moved from a letter of intent to a formal contract with the Government of Seychelles for an affordable housing project at Île Aurore, covering 1,008 units. Local Fintech Regulation: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it expands in emerging markets, with details on products and leverage still pending. Crypto Events in the Region: Zoomex will sponsor Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali and host a side party, continuing the push for Web3 networking across the Indian Ocean region.

Tsunami Readiness: UNESCO-IOC trained facilitators in Bali (July 12–18), bringing participants including Seychelles to help coastal communities use the 12 UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Indicators through hands-on work with hazard and inundation maps. Marine Impact: New reporting warns that underwater noise from shipping is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, a biodiversity hotspot that includes Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. Seychelles Tech & Connectivity: Starlink has entered Seychelles’ telecom market via a soft launch at State House, with SCRA oversight aimed at improving reliable broadband in harder-to-reach areas. Seychelles Finance Regulation: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it pushes growth in emerging markets, while Seychelles’ regulator tightens capital and compliance rules. Local Ocean Recovery: A coral restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reefs with UNDP and the Adaptation Fund, putting coastal communities at the centre. Crypto & Trading: BitMEX plans to shut down on 23 September 2026, and a Seychelles-linked owner is behind the wind-down as users withdraw and close positions.

Seychelles Connectivity: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles after a soft launch at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority saying it will operate under local rules—aiming to boost reliable broadband in areas where traditional infrastructure is harder to build. Marine Health: Underwater noise from rising marine cargo traffic is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, with shipping and industrial sound disrupting how whales, dolphins and other species communicate and navigate. Local Climate Action: A coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems with coastal communities at the centre, responding to repeated bleaching and storm damage. Seychelles Finance & Tech: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it expands in emerging markets, betting on better tech and execution. Crypto & Trading: BitMEX will shut down on 23 September 2026, while Margex launched a $2.7M Bitcoin incentive campaign urging users to “never sell — but trade.” Immigration Tech: Ethiopia’s investment migration programme is now the world’s priciest at a $10m minimum, and Seychelles is listed among the highest-cost “golden visa” options.

Starlink in Seychelles: The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority says Starlink has been authorized and is now in a soft launch, aiming to boost reliable broadband especially where building traditional infrastructure is harder. Coral Reef Restoration: A UNDP-backed Coral Restoration Project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre, responding to repeated bleaching and storm impacts. Tsunami Preparedness Training: UNESCO-IOC trained tsunami preparedness facilitators in Bali, with Seychelles among participating countries, to strengthen regional readiness across the North-West Indian Ocean. Seychelles Finance Licensing: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it expands in emerging markets, with details on leverage and products still pending. Crypto & Trading Updates: Zoomex announced it will sponsor Coinfest Asia 2026 in Bali and host a side party; meanwhile TIOmarkets launched an all-in-one mobile trading app, and Zoomex rolled out Contract Grid for sideways markets. Regional Enforcement: Eastern African prosecutors began coordinated training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-related financial crime.

Starlink in Seychelles: The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority has opened the telecom market to Starlink via a soft launch at State House, aiming to boost reliable broadband in harder-to-reach areas while keeping consumer protection and fair competition front and centre. Coral Reef Recovery: A Mauritius-and-Seychelles coral restoration push, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the heart as bleaching events in 1998, 2016 and 2024 continue to bite. Seychelles Tech & Finance: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it expands across emerging markets, while BitMEX’s September shutdown and a lawsuit over alleged liquidation and collateral issues keep crypto exchange risk in focus. Regional Digital Skills: Eastern African prosecutors and partners are training across borders on investigating and prosecuting crypto-related crime, including how to handle virtual asset material in court. Sustainable Yachting: SEA Index® expands its CO₂ certification models for more yacht types, including smaller vessels and multihulls, with methodology now accessible to a wider fleet.

Starlink in Seychelles: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, with a soft launch at State House and SCRA oversight aimed at boosting reliable, affordable satellite broadband—especially where traditional infrastructure is hard to deploy. Coral Reef Recovery: A Mauritius–Seychelles coral restoration push, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs while putting coastal communities at the centre to help fight climate-driven bleaching. Seychelles Crypto Regulation & Growth: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA, as the regulator tightens capital and compliance rules for brokers. Crypto Trading Moves: BitMEX is set to shut down on 23 September 2026, while a US lawsuit seeks return of 622 BTC tied to alleged liquidation and internal trading practices. AI Trading Tools: Acuity Trading and Bullwaves (Seychelles-regulated) announced integration of Acuity’s market intelligence suite. Ocean & Disaster Readiness: UNESCO-IOC trained tsunami preparedness facilitators across the North-West Indian Ocean, including Seychelles. Local Nature Education: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School on sustainable agroforestry and conservation.

Starlink in Seychelles: The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority has authorised Starlink to operate locally, with a soft launch at State House and a push for better broadband access in harder-to-reach areas. Coral Reef Restoration: A UNDP-backed Coral Restoration Project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues aims to rebuild damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre, after major bleaching in 1998, 2016 and 2024. Tsunami Preparedness: UNESCO-IOC trained facilitators in Bali, including Seychelles participants, to strengthen North-West Indian Ocean tsunami readiness. Crypto Court Fight: BitMEX customers are pursuing a class action in New York seeking the return of 622.66 BTC, alleging liquidations and internal trading practices during its wind-down ahead of September closure. VCG Markets Licensing: VCG Markets says it has secured a Seychelles licence from the FSA as it expands in emerging markets, while Seychelles tightens capital and compliance rules. Local Tech & Learning: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT summer school on sustainable agroforestry and conservation, and the First Lady opened a Seychelles chess tournament marking International Chess Day.

Starlink in Seychelles: The Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority says households and businesses can now subscribe to Starlink after a soft launch at State House, as the government pushes digital transformation and aims to improve connectivity in harder-to-reach areas. Coral reef recovery: A regional coral restoration effort across Mauritius and Seychelles, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre to help fight climate impacts like bleaching. GreenTraINT at Curieuse: The Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School visited Curieuse Island, highlighting international training in sustainable agroforestry and conservation with local partners including the University of Seychelles and Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture. VCG Markets Seychelles licence: Finance Magnates reports VCG Markets has received a Seychelles licence from the FSA, expanding its regulatory footprint as it targets growth in emerging markets. Crypto trading shake-ups: BitMEX will shut down on 23 September 2026, while Zoomex promotes Contract Grid trading for sideways markets. Maritime safety: A report says East Africa prosecutors are training together to tackle crypto-related crime, and another notes a major high-seas drug seizure linked to satellite-coordinated smuggling.

Satellite Internet for Seychelles: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ telecom market after a soft launch at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority saying it will operate under local rules and help boost connectivity in harder-to-reach areas. Biodiversity & Field Science: The Seychelles Islands Foundation highlights “opportunistic sightings” in the Vallée de Mai, noting many species are still too rarely seen for dedicated monitoring. Sustainable Agriculture Training: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, bringing universities and the SPGA together to strengthen agroforestry, livestock, and biodiversity skills. Crypto Exchange Shutdown: BitMEX will close on 23 September 2026, telling users to close positions and withdraw funds with no extensions. Maritime Carbon Certification: SEA Index® expanded its CO₂ emissions assessment models to cover more yacht types, extending certification across a wider recreational fleet. Regional Tech Capacity: Eastern African prosecutors began training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-related financial crime. Tsunami Preparedness: UNESCO-IOC ran a regional training of facilitators in Bali, with Seychelles among participating countries.

Connectivity in Seychelles: Starlink has officially entered the Seychelles telecom market after a soft launch at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority saying it’s authorised and will operate under local rules—aiming to boost reliable broadband, especially where traditional infrastructure is harder to build. Crypto trading shake-up: BitMEX, owned by Seychelles-based HDR Global Trading, will shut down on 23 September 2026, telling users to close positions and withdraw funds with no extensions. Range-trading tools: Zoomex launched Contract Grid, designed to help crypto traders generate returns in sideways, range-bound markets by automatically buying and selling across set price levels. Regional enforcement training: Eastern African prosecutors began a coordinated training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-related crimes, including money laundering and cross-border financial offences. Disaster preparedness: UNESCO-IOC trained tsunami preparedness facilitators in Bali, with Seychelles among participating countries. Local tech & education: Seychelles’ First Lady opened an inter-school chess tournament for International Chess Day, linking the game to critical thinking and digital-age learning. Energy reliability watch: Cyprus activated rotating load-shedding with detailed group lists as demand outpaced generation.

Starlink in Seychelles: The satellite internet provider has officially entered the Seychelles telecom market after a soft launch at State House, with SCRA saying it’s authorized under local rules and should boost connectivity in harder-to-reach areas. Crypto trading shake-up: BitMEX, owned by Seychelles-based HDR Global Trading Limited, will shut down on 23 September 2026, telling users to close positions and withdraw funds. Range-trading tools: Zoomex launched Contract Grid, aiming to help crypto traders profit during sideways markets by automatically buying and selling within a set price range. AI for traders in Seychelles: Excent Capital partnered with BridgeWise to add free AI-powered market analysis on its platform. Regional enforcement push: Eastern African prosecutors began training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto crime and cross-border virtual asset cases. Tsunami readiness: UNESCO-IOC ran a training of facilitators in Bali that included Seychelles participants to strengthen North-West Indian Ocean tsunami preparedness. Energy reliability: Cyprus activated rotating power cuts with a published full list of affected areas. Local governance & culture: Nana Yaa Akyaa II was officially outdoored as the new Asantehemaa, marking a major traditional leadership transition.

Connectivity in Seychelles: Starlink has officially entered the Seychelles telecom market after a soft launch at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority saying it’s authorised under local rules—aiming to boost reliable broadband, especially where traditional infrastructure is harder to build. Crypto trading shake-up: BitMEX, owned by Seychelles-based HDR Global Trading Limited, will shut down on 23 September 2026; users are told to close positions and withdraw funds with no extensions. Seychelles-linked crypto tech: Zoomex rolled out “Contract Grid” to help traders target sideways markets by automatically buying and selling within a set range. Maritime climate standards: SEA Index® expanded its CO₂ certification models with new benchmarks for smaller vessels and multihulls, widening access for the recreational yachting sector. AI for traders: Excent Capital partnered with BridgeWise to offer free AI-powered market analysis on its platform. Regional enforcement training: Eastern African prosecutors began a coordinated training in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-related financial crime.

Starlink in Seychelles: Seychelles has officially opened its telecom market to Starlink after a soft launch at State House, with the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority saying satellite broadband will strengthen connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is harder to deploy, while operating under local consumer protection and technical standards. Cybercrime Training: Prosecutors across Eastern Africa began a coordinated, five-day push in Nairobi to improve investigations and court handling of crypto-related crime, including money laundering, fraud, corruption and terrorism financing. Local Fintech Upgrade: Excent Capital (Seychelles) partnered with BridgeWise to add free, AI-powered market analysis to its platform for all traders. Crypto Scam Update: Three men in London were jailed for a fake police crypto scam that stole over £4M from eight victims, including spending linked to travel and luxury purchases. Energy Watch: Cyprus activated rotating power cuts with detailed area groupings as demand exceeded generation capacity. Tourism Tech & Travel: SEA Index® expanded CO₂ certification coverage for more recreational yachts, while G Adventures added 16 coastal trips to its Geluxe Collection.

Starlink in Seychelles: The government has soft-launched Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, with Starlink now authorized under SCRA rules—aimed at boosting reliable broadband in harder-to-reach areas and supporting the digital transformation agenda. CO₂ Yacht Certification: SEA Index® (from Yacht Club de Monaco) expands its CO₂ emissions assessment to more vessel types, including smaller boats and multihulls, with new benchmark models developed with Lloyd’s Register. Crypto Trading Tools: Zoomex rolled out Contract Grid to help traders target sideways, range-bound markets by automating buys and sells across a set price range. Regional Crypto Crime Training: Eastern African prosecutors and investigators met in Nairobi for training on virtual-asset investigations, blockchain-related court work, and cross-border financial crime cases. Tsunami Preparedness: UNESCO-IOC trained facilitators in Bali, including participants from Seychelles, to strengthen tsunami readiness across the North-West Indian Ocean. Energy Disruptions Abroad: Cyprus activated rotating power cuts with a published list of affected areas. Travel Tech & Data: G Adventures expanded its Geluxe Collection with 16 new coastal trips, leaning into active shoreline experiences.