Seychelles: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Seychelles?

Seychelles' real GDP was 0.5% lower in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, at SCR 6,931 million against SCR 6,964 million, according to the quarterly national accounts for 2026 Q2 released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on 30 September 2026. Compared with the first quarter of 2026, real GDP fell 4.3%.

Accommodation and food services made the largest negative contribution, taking 2.3 percentage points off growth, followed by wholesale and retail trade. The Central Bank of Seychelles' September 2026 monetary policy statement links lower tourist numbers to flight disruptions through Middle East aviation hubs between March and mid-June 2026. Quarterly estimates are revised as more source data come in.

Official sources: NBS: Quarterly national accounts, 2026 Q2 (PDF) · CBS: Monetary Policy Rate statement for Q4 2026 (PDF)

How many tourists visit Seychelles?

278,381 visitors arrived in Seychelles between 1 January and 11 October 2026, 7.1% fewer than the 299,664 in the same period of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' weekly visitor arrivals bulletin for week 41, released on 14 October 2026. In week 41 alone, 9,044 visitors arrived, and 86.1% of them came on holiday.

The Central Bank of Seychelles' September 2026 statement estimates tourism earnings for January to August 2026 at US$801 million, 5.1% more than a year earlier despite fewer arrivals, mainly because of higher average room rates and a change in the mix of tourists. The bureau updates the arrivals figures every week, and 98.2% of arrivals in week 41 came on scheduled flights.

Official sources: NBS: Weekly visitor arrivals, week 41 2026 (PDF) · CBS: Monetary Policy Rate statement for Q4 2026 (PDF)

What does Seychelles export?

Canned tuna is Seychelles' main domestic export: exports were SCR 1,681.5 million in the first half of 2026, up 14.2% on a year earlier, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' merchandise trade bulletin for 2026 Q2. Total domestic exports were SCR 3,474.8 million, 57.6% higher than in the first half of 2025, helped by a 255% rise in fresh and frozen fish.

Seychelles also re-exports goods, mostly petroleum products: re-exports were SCR 1,888.9 million in the half year, of which SCR 1,704.8 million were petroleum products. Imports were much larger, at SCR 5,943.1 million in the second quarter alone. The bulletin covers goods only, so earnings from services such as tourism are not included.

Official sources: NBS: Merchandise trade, 2026 Q2 (PDF)

What is the interest rate in Seychelles?

The Central Bank of Seychelles' monetary policy rate is 1.75% for the fourth quarter of 2026, unchanged, according to the bank's press communiqué of 30 September 2026. The standing deposit facility stays at 0.25% and the standing credit facility at 3.25%, and banks must keep 10% of rupee deposits as minimum reserves.

The policy rate is reviewed each quarter. The bank said domestic inflation had risen slightly and was expected to increase, because of higher oil prices, freight charges and shipping costs since March 2026. The policy rate is the central bank's signal rate for the cost of money; the central bank also publishes the deposit and lending rates of commercial banks each week.

Official sources: CBS: Monetary Policy Rate remains unchanged at 1.75% for Q4 2026 (PDF)

What is the Seychelles' economic growth rate?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in the Seychelles was 5.8% in 2025. The peak was 12.1% in 2016 and the low -11.7% in 2020. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 4.6%, and the Seychelles placed 16th highest of 46. Worldwide: 35th of 180.

What is GDP per capita in the Seychelles?

The World Bank puts GDP per person in the Seychelles at $19,449 in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 1st highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $1,351. World rank, highest first: 55th of 180.

What is the Seychelles' GDP per person adjusted for prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $35,854 in international dollars. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $4,425 in international dollars, and the Seychelles placed 1st highest of 46. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 57th highest.

What share of the Seychelles' economy is exports?

The World Bank puts exports of goods and services in the Seychelles at 79.6% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 66.5% of GDP (2020) to 105.4% of GDP (2009). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 26.1% of GDP, and the Seychelles placed 1st highest of 38. Of 133 countries with 2025 data, 10th highest.

Does the Seychelles earn more abroad than it spends?

In 2025, the current account balance in the Seychelles was -5.7% of GDP, according to the IMF (a deficit). The peak was -2.2% of GDP in 2017 and the low -28.5% of GDP in 2011. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.6% of GDP, and the Seychelles placed 15th highest of 20. Worldwide: 108th of 132.

What is FDI in the Seychelles?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 10.0% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.3% of GDP (2013) to 56.3% of GDP (2012). It is 5th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. Worldwide: 17th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in the Seychelles?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 9.9%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 9.1% (2022) to 15.3% (2009). It is 14th highest of 16 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 17.6%. World rank, highest first: 33rd of 73.