Seychelles Economics and Business

The Republic of Seychelles is an independent island nation located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, with a population of over 97,000. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. Seychelles has a tropical climate and is composed of 115 islands, with the majority of its population living on the main island of Mahé.

According to cheeroutdoor, Seychelles has a market-based economy, with tourism being its primary source of revenue. The country has experienced steady economic growth since gaining independence from Britain in 1976 and continues to develop in areas such as telecommunications, banking and finance services. The Seychellois rupee is the official currency and it is regulated by the Central Bank of Seychelles.

Agriculture plays an important role in the economy with crops such as coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, bananas and papayas being grown for domestic consumption as well as export. Fishing also provides employment opportunities for many people living on the islands while fisheries account for around 6% of total exports.

Manufacturing also makes up part of Seychelles’ economy but due to high labour costs it tends to be limited to light industries such as food processing or furniture making rather than heavy industry or large scale production facilities.

Tourism continues to be a key area for economic growth in Seychelles with more than 1 million visitors annually attracted by its stunning beaches and unique culture. Tourism accounts for around 25% of GDP and provides employment opportunities for many people living on the islands through hotel management, catering services or tour guiding operations.

Seychelles also has a rapidly growing financial sector with many international banks now operating outposts there including Barclays Bank PLC., Standard Chartered Bank (Seychelles) Ltd., First National Bank (FNB) Seychelles Ltd., AfrAsia Bank Ltd., Credit Suisse (Seychelles) Limited amongst others. These banks offer both retail banking services as well as offshore banking services which provides a source of foreign exchange earnings for Seychelles through investments abroad or international transactions between companies based in different countries that use their services.

The government has taken steps to promote further economic diversification by investing in infrastructure projects such as road construction or improving access to clean water supplies which can aid businesses by reducing operating costs or providing access to new markets across Africa or beyond thus helping them expand their operations or create jobs within Seychelles itself which can help reduce unemployment levels on the islands.

Business

In 2018, the country had one of the highest GDP in Africa. Since the opening of the international airport at Mahé in 1971, the country’s economy has been dominated by the tourism industry.

Seychelles GDP (Nominal, $USD) 2003-2017

Agriculture, which was previously the most important industry, accounted for only 2 percent of GDP in 2017 and employed 3 percent of the employed. The lack of agricultural land complicates the development of agriculture and explains the country’s great dependence on food imports. Rice, the most important basic food, is imported. Agricultural products exported are coconuts, cinnamon and vanilla. The fisheries and exports of both fresh and frozen and canned fish, especially tuna, have increased in importance since 1978, when the Seychelles established a 200-mile fishing zone. Fishing rights are sold to a number of foreign fishing fleets. Problems with pirates in the waters have had a negative impact on catches since the end of the 1990s.

The industry, which employs 23 percent of the employed and accounts for 14 percent of GDP, is dominated by the food industry. The most important source of energy is oil, which together with machines and food accounts for a large part of imports. The most important trading partners are the United Arab Emirates, France, the United Kingdom and Spain.

  • COUNTRYAAH: Find major trading partners of Seychelles, including major exports and major imports with latest trade value and market share as well as growth rate.

Tourism and gastronomy

Abbreviated as SYC by abbreviationfinder.org, Seychelles has a pleasant climate and fine beaches, and tourism is very important for the country’s economy. The island group was visited in 1995 by 121,000 foreign visitors and in 2012 by 208,000. To protect the environment, the government has set a ceiling of 200,000 visitors per year. Most visitors come from Europe, mainly France. In order to preserve the sensitive and unique nature but still receive good income from tourism, a well thought-out tourism policy is implemented which involves investing in strong groups at the same time as large areas are set aside as national parks and nature reserves. Tourism is concentrated to the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Note: the capital city of Seychelles is Victoria with a population of 28,000 (UN estimate 2018). Other major cities include Anse Royal.

Seafood dominates the cuisine of the Seychelles; mackerel, shark, tuna, parrot, shrimp, crab, crawfish and octopus are eaten grilled with fruits and vegetables or in a mostly chilli curry stew with rice. Often, a soup starts the meal, perhaps of broad, which is a general term for leafy greens, and onions and tomatoes. Chili is included in almost all dishes and is also served as a snack, perhaps in the company of strong chutneys of e.g. mango and pumpkin. Salads (satini, often with vegetables and fruits mixed) with lime dressing are popular. Pwason saleis dried, salted fish, which is a common ingredient in pots. Meat (goat, chicken, lamb or bat) is often turned into a stew with sweet potatoes or a curry. The desserts can consist of sumptuous fruit salads or often heavy and powerful coconut or banana cakes.

Seychelles Economics and Business

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