A major new initiative backed by the African Development Bank is setting the stage for stronger, greener and more inclusive economic opportunities in Seychelles, particularly for local entrepreneurs. The Bank has approved a $25 million loan to support the second phase of the country’s Economic Resilience and Green Recovery Support Programme, which is designed to improve governance, build climate resilience and create space for private sector growth. For Seychellois business owners, this is not just a government reform programme. It is a lifeline for economic participation and long-term opportunity.
At the heart of the programme is the ambition to make the economy more robust and responsive to the needs of its people. Running from 2024 to 2026, the three-year reform plan is focused on raising public sector efficiency and enhancing financial governance. It will improve how public money is collected and spent, creating more room for investment in essential services, business infrastructure and programs that benefit the most vulnerable.
For small business owners, this means better-targeted spending, fewer bureaucratic hurdles and greater clarity on how public resources are used to create supportive conditions for private enterprise. Tax reforms are expected to reduce leakages in the system and optimize revenue collection without placing undue burden on micro and small businesses. With more efficient budgeting and investment strategies, entrepreneurs will gain access to improved services and infrastructure necessary to grow their ventures in a competitive, fast-evolving economy.
A key component of the programme is empowering the Central Bank of Seychelles with broader oversight and regulatory capacity, particularly over non-deposit-taking credit institutions. This step is crucial for opening up access to more diverse and secure financial services for entrepreneurs who may have previously struggled to access affordable credit. By expanding regulatory reach, Seychelles is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive financial system, one that can support a wider range of business models including those led by women, youth and green innovators.
For entrepreneurs in emerging sectors like eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and clean energy, the programme’s strong emphasis on environmental reform is equally significant. The initiative will support the government’s efforts to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation into the country’s new National Development Strategy (2024–2028). That means more policy alignment, clearer pathways for green enterprise and increased opportunities to participate in climate-smart projects, especially in areas vulnerable to environmental risks.
As Seychelles continues to experience the effects of climate change, such integration is not only timely but essential. Business owners will be better equipped to innovate within a policy framework that supports sustainability and environmental responsibility. Those working in the blue economy, such as fisheries, marine-based tourism and ocean conservation technologies, are particularly well-positioned to benefit from an environment where economic growth is tied directly to natural resource protection.
Economic diversification remains a critical goal for the country and this programme addresses it head-on. By creating a more favorable environment for private sector development, the initiative aims to move the economy beyond its traditional reliance on tourism. Entrepreneurs in non-traditional sectors can expect more support through better planning, improved public-private collaboration and targeted policies that reflect the realities of running a business in Seychelles today.
According to the African Development Bank, the ultimate goal is to expand job creation while maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term debt sustainability. This dual focus ensures that while opportunities are growing, the economy remains stable and responsible in how it manages limited resources. In practical terms, this could translate into targeted funding for innovation hubs, vocational training programs aligned with private sector demand and expanded business advisory services.
Most importantly, the programme centers on people. It is designed to create more and better opportunities for all Seychellois. Entrepreneurs, whether just starting out or scaling up, stand to benefit from a stronger foundation built on fairness, transparency and inclusion. The focus on protecting vulnerable populations further underscores the Bank’s vision of leaving no one behind in the journey toward economic recovery and transformation.
Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Director of the Bank’s Governance and Economic Reforms Department, emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue during the implementation phase. He noted the Bank’s commitment to working with national authorities, the private sector and other stakeholders to keep the momentum strong, especially around consolidating fiscal sustainability and improving the enabling environment for enterprise.
As of July 2025, the Bank’s total public sector investment in Seychelles stands at $37 million across seven operations. Nearly all, 98.1 percent, are focused on improving lives, with remaining investments supporting integration and energy. This latest $25 million approval deepens that commitment, providing not only financial backing but a signal of confidence in Seychelles’ capacity to deliver results.
For Seychellois entrepreneurs, the message is clear. The future is shifting in their favor. With reforms focused on economic governance, climate resilience and inclusive growth, the playing field is being reshaped to better support those who drive innovation, create jobs and power the national economy from the ground up. The support is not just institutional. It is transformational.
