AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: Dutch authorities say they disrupted a massive botnet operation that infected 17+ million devices, using compromised PCs, phones and cameras as a residential proxy network to scale cyberattacks. Wildlife Research: Scientists have identified the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost population of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), using DNA from living animals and rare museum specimens. Local Skills & Resilience: Ten youths completed a five-day gabion construction training in Roche Caiman, supporting watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, led by the Baie Lazare Watershed Committee with GAEA Seychelles. Local Governance & China Ties: Victoria’s mayor highlighted benefits from China–Seychelles cooperation, including people-to-people links and China-funded infrastructure projects. Aviation Infrastructure: A regional ICAO workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR) brought together 12 African countries including Seychelles to align standards for safer, more efficient air transport. Crypto Safety: Bitget launched Anti-Scam Month 2026, citing Interpol data that multi-asset scams caused $442B in losses in 2025.

Seychelles–China Cooperation: Victoria’s mayor says Seychelles is gaining “valuable benefits” from China ties, pointing to people-to-people links and China-funded local infrastructure, while praising China’s tech progress. Smart Tourism in Cities: Global mayors in Beijing discussed “Smarter Travel, Stronger Cities,” using AI and digital tools to reshape urban tourism, with Seychelles represented among participating cities. Aviation Standards for the Region: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), with Seychelles among 12 countries, stressing harmonised air infrastructure standards for trade and connectivity. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Dutch authorities disrupted a massive botnet operation that infected 17+ million devices, seizing 200 servers used to run large-scale attacks. Wildlife Research: Scientists say Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and old museum specimens. Crypto & Local Business Tech: Seychelles-linked MEXC topped CoinGecko’s 2026 perpetuals report for new contract listings, while Beldex launched a BNS marketplace for blockchain-based names.

Smart Tourism in Seychelles Region: Beijing hosted the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue on “Smarter Travel, Stronger Cities,” where leaders showcased XR-style “space tours” and pushed AI-backed tourism and city R&D. Trade Finance Boost: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledged $1 billion for trade finance across Africa, aiming to close the continent’s big financing gap for cross-border business. Cybersecurity Alert: Dutch authorities disrupted a massive botnet operation that infected 17+ million devices, seizing 200 servers used for large-scale attacks. Aviation Standards for Seychelles: ICAO’s regional workshop in Eswatini covered new Aircraft/Pavement Classification Rating standards, with Seychelles among 12 participating countries. Seychelles in Regional Defence Tech: India’s PRAGATI 2026 exercise in Meghalaya concluded with 400+ troops from 13 nations including Seychelles, featuring counter-terror training and discussions on niche technologies. Local Climate Tech: A Seychelles-linked theme from across Africa: “cool roofs” with reflective paint can cut peak indoor temperatures by 3–4°C, improving sleep and health during heatwaves. Crypto & Identity: Beldex launched the BNS marketplace for trading blockchain-based names, while Seychelles-linked crypto entities continue positioning for regulatory-ready operations.

Smart Tourism Tech: Beijing’s 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue showcased AI-powered “space tours” and XR experiences for urban tourism, with mayors from 73 cities discussing smarter travel and city R&D. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Dutch authorities disrupted a massive botnet operation that infected 17M+ consumer devices, seizing 200 servers used for large-scale attacks. Aviation Standards for Seychelles: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft/Pavement Classification (ACR/PCR) with Seychelles among 12 countries, aiming for harmonised runway and apron assessment. Local Climate Adaptation: A study highlights “cool roofs” (reflective roof paint) cutting peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C in monitored African homes, improving sleep and health during heatwaves. Seychelles in Regional Defence Training: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise in Meghalaya brought 13 nations (including Seychelles) together for counter-terrorism drills and interoperability validation. Crypto & Identity Markets: Beldex launched the BNS marketplace for trading blockchain-based names, pushing decentralized identity ownership. Energy Leadership Move: Eskom appointed telecom veteran Junaid Munshi as Distribution group executive, with prior Cable & Wireless Seychelles experience.

Aviation & Standards: Seychelles joined a regional ICAO workshop in Eswatini on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), bringing together 12 African countries to align runway and pavement assessment methods for safer, more efficient air connectivity. Wildlife Science: Scientists say Seychelles’ “lost” crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals with museum specimens. Local Climate Tech: A study on “cool roofs” reports homes with reflective roofing can be 3–4°C cooler at peak heat, improving sleep and health outcomes for vulnerable communities—relevant for Seychelles heat resilience. Defence & Maritime Links: India’s Defence Secretary met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces at the Shangri-La Dialogue to deepen maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Regional Military Training: Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya with 400+ troops from 13 nations, including Seychelles, focusing on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Crypto & Markets: Zoomex launched its Prediction Market, letting users trade predictions tied to crypto, sports and real-world events. Digital Identity (Crypto): Beldex rolled out the BNS Marketplace for buying, selling and managing blockchain-based names within its ecosystem. Energy Leadership: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution, with experience including Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Tourism Policy: Ghana launched an e-Visa platform and waived visa fees for African passport holders, aiming to boost mobility for tourism and trade.

Science Breakthrough (Seychelles): DNA work has finally identified the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population (Crocodylus porosus), matching living animals with rare museum specimens and explaining their disappearance around 200 years ago. Local Tech & Climate Resilience: A Seychelles-relevant heat adaptation story from Africa highlights “cool roofs” painted with reflective coatings, with monitored homes running about 3–4°C cooler at peak heat and linked to better sleep for families. Regional Security Tech: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multination military exercise in Meghalaya wrapped up with 400+ troops from 13 countries including Seychelles, focusing on counter-terrorism drills and interoperability, with niche technologies discussed for tactics and operations. Digital Identity & Regulation (Crypto): Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace for trading blockchain-based names, pushing decentralized identity ownership. Energy Sector Leadership (Seychelles link): Eskom appointed telecom veteran Junaid Munshi as Distribution executive, previously chief commercial officer at Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Seychelles in Global Diplomacy: India’s Defence Secretary met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces at Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 to deepen maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Crypto Trading Promo (Seychelles): Zoomex officially launched its Prediction Market and a “Win a Trip to the World Cup!” campaign with a $300,000 prize pool.

Seychelles in Africa’s Prosperity Spotlight: The Atlantic Council’s 2026 Prosperity Index names Seychelles Africa’s most prosperous country, ranking 39th globally, crediting higher incomes alongside strong healthcare, education, and environmental performance. Seychelles-Linked Tech & Finance: Zoomex officially launched its Prediction Market, letting users trade predictions tied to crypto and major events like the World Cup. Cybersecurity Watch: Reports highlight a surge in JS malware activity hosted via “bulletproof” services, with infrastructure linked to GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH. Maritime Security, Indo-Pacific Focus: India’s Defence Secretary met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces at the Shangri-La Dialogue to deepen defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Regional Defence Tech Showcase: India’s PRAGATI 2026 exercise in Meghalaya brought together 13 nations and featured indigenous defence tech displays, including drones, counter-drone systems, surveillance, secure communications, and AI-enabled solutions. Climate Adaptation for Heat: “Cool roofs” trials across Africa show homes can be 3–4°C cooler at peak heat, improving sleep for vulnerable groups. Energy Sector Talent Move (Seychelles connection): Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as Distribution executive, most recently chief commercial officer at Cable & Wireless Seychelles.

Seychelles-Linked Cybersecurity: Analysts say hackers used bulletproof hosting networks GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH (with a Seychelles-linked footprint) to run a JavaScript malware campaign via spam ZIP/RAR attachments, targeting energy, finance, retail, automotive and government-linked organisations. Climate Adaptation: A study highlighted “cool roofs” in Africa: painted reflective roofs cut peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C and improved sleep for vulnerable households in a pilot in places like Khayelitsha, South Africa. Regional Defence & Maritime Security: India’s Defence Secretary met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Micheal Rosette, to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Multinational Exercise PRAGATI 2026: Over 400 troops from 13 nations (including Seychelles) concluded a counter-terrorism focused drill in Meghalaya, validating interoperability and training together in jungle and semi-mountain terrain. Blockchain Naming in Seychelles: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace, letting users buy, sell and manage blockchain-based names peer-to-peer inside the Beldex ecosystem. Energy Leadership: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi (formerly Cable & Wireless Seychelles) as group executive for distribution, effective 1 June.

Heat adaptation for homes: A new Lancet-linked Africa study finds reflective “cool roof” paint can cut peak indoor temperatures by about 3–4°C, helping families sleep better during heatwaves—an approach now being piloted for vulnerable groups. World Cup crypto campaign: Seychelles-based ZOOMEX launched “Win a Trip to the World Cup!” with a $300,000 prize pool and premium matchday hospitality rewards for users completing trading tasks. World Environment Day reflection: Israel’s ambassador to Seychelles-linked region highlights nature-based solutions—forests, wetlands, mangroves—as practical climate lessons. Regional defence tech & drills: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multination exercise in Meghalaya wrapped up with 400+ troops from 13 countries, focusing on counter-terrorism, interoperability, and training that included drones, secure comms, and AI-enabled defence solutions—plus defence industry showcases. Seychelles defence ties: India’s Defence Secretary met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces at Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 to deepen maritime security cooperation. Cybersecurity warning: Analysts report a JavaScript malware campaign using bulletproof hosting networks (GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH) to deliver backdoors via spam attachments. Blockchain naming in Seychelles: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace for peer-to-peer buying, selling, and managing blockchain-based names. Energy leadership move: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution, bringing Cable & Wireless Seychelles experience into power-sector reforms.

World Environment Day: Israel’s envoy to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Seychelles, H.E. Gideon Behar, used the “Inspired by Nature” theme to argue that ecosystems already solve problems we keep repeating—forests, wetlands, mangroves and pollinators as practical climate lessons. Regional Defence & Tech: India’s multinational exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up in Meghalaya, bringing 400+ troops from 13 countries including Seychelles for counter-terrorism drills and interoperability training, alongside a defence industry showcase featuring drones, secure communications and AI-enabled military solutions. Seychelles Digital Identity: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace in Victoria, letting users buy, sell and manage blockchain-based names peer-to-peer—aimed at giving people more control over digital identity. Seychelles Cybersecurity Watch: A report says hackers used bulletproof hosting networks GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware delivery via spam, targeting energy, finance and government-linked organisations. Energy Leadership in Africa: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as distribution executive from 1 June, with prior experience including Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Local Science: DNA analysis traced Seychelles’ “lost” crocodiles to the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, linking them to animals across the Indian Ocean. Climate Reality Check: An opinion piece highlights record heat across Europe and beyond, framing climate change as present-tense danger, not a distant forecast.

Regional Defence & Tech Showcase: India’s maiden multilateral exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up in Meghalaya at Umroi Military Station, bringing 400+ troops from 13 nations including Seychelles for counter-terrorism drills and interoperability training. Local Link to Seychelles: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Micheal Rosette, at the Shangri-La Dialogue to deepen maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Defence Industry Push: The closing events included a defence equipment display with 52 Indian firms, highlighting drones, counter-drone tech, surveillance, secure communications, electronic warfare, and AI-enabled military solutions. Blockchain Identity in Seychelles: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace in Victoria, letting users buy, sell, and manage blockchain-based names peer-to-peer. Cybersecurity Watch: Researchers warn hackers are using bulletproof hosting (GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH, with a Seychelles-linked footprint) to run JavaScript malware via spam and ZIP/RAR attachments. Seychelles Science: DNA analysis traced the Seychelles’ lost crocodiles to the saltwater crocodile, confirming their place as the westernmost population of Crocodylus porosus.

Indian Ocean Security: Exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up in Meghalaya with 400+ troops from 13 nations, including Seychelles, training on counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency drills like IED detection, heliborne operations, and mixed-team interoperability. Regional Defence Talks: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Australia’s Meghan Quinn and also Seychelles’ Major General Micheal Rosette at the Shangri-La Dialogue, focusing on deeper maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Cybersecurity (Seychelles-linked hosting): A JavaScript malware campaign used bulletproof hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH (with a Seychelles-linked footprint) to deliver obfuscated backdoors via ZIP/RAR malspam, targeting energy and finance organisations. Digital Identity & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief warned that digital ID must come with strong data protection and cybersecurity safeguards, not “compliance afterthoughts.” Blue Economy & Research: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented an Indian Ocean mission report with 25 marine governance recommendations, including better monitoring and stronger regional cooperation. Local Science: DNA analysis identified Seychelles’ “lost” crocodiles as the westernmost population of saltwater crocodiles, linking them to animals across the Indian Ocean.

Seychelles-India Defence: India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces Maj Gen Micheal Rosette at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026, focusing on deeper bilateral defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Regional Security Talks: Singh also held talks with Canada’s Kelvin Brosseau and the US Indo-Pacific Command’s Admiral Samuel J. Paparo to expand military-to-military cooperation. Energy Leadership in the Region: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution from 1 June, bringing decades of engineering and digital services experience from roles including Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers report a JavaScript malware and malspam operation using bulletproof hosting networks GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH, aimed at email account compromise and business email fraud. Marine Policy & Research: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented its 2022 Indian Ocean mission report with 25 recommendations for marine governance, including ecosystem protection and stronger regional cooperation. Health & Data Protection: Mauritius’ data protection commissioner warns digital identity can’t run in a legal vacuum, stressing privacy and cybersecurity as core safeguards.

Indian Ocean Defence & Diplomacy: India’s Defence Secretary met Canada’s defence leadership in Singapore and also held talks with Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Micheal Rosette, focusing on stronger bilateral defence ties and maritime security. Energy Tech & Leadership: Eskom appointed Junaid Munshi as Group Executive for Distribution from 1 June, bringing decades of engineering and telecom experience, including prior work at Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Cybersecurity: Analysts warn of a JavaScript malware campaign using bulletproof hosting networks GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to power malspam and business email compromise, delivered via ZIP/RAR attachments. Marine Science & Policy: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented its 2022 Indian Ocean mission report with 25 recommendations for marine ecosystem protection, fisheries management, and regional cooperation. Seychelles Research: DNA analysis links the Seychelles’ “lost crocodiles” to the saltwater crocodile, showing they were the westernmost population of Crocodylus porosus. Digital Identity & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief says digital ID must be built with strong data protection and cybersecurity safeguards, not treated as an afterthought. Blue Economy Events: Zanzibar hosts a blue economy research workshop on financing and ocean governance, with Seychelles and other partners expected to share lessons.

Cybersecurity: Intrinsec reports hackers are using “bulletproof” hosts GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware and large-scale malspam/BEC campaigns, with targets including finance ministries and firms across Europe and beyond. Seychelles Science: DNA analysis links the Seychelles’ “lost crocodiles” to the westernmost saltwater crocodile population (Crocodylus porosus), using museum specimens to solve a 250-year mystery. Marine Governance: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented an Indian Ocean mission report with 25 recommendations on marine ecosystem protection, fisheries management, and regional cooperation, involving Seychelles and Mauritius. Blue Economy in the Region: Zanzibar hosts a blue economy research workshop focused on inclusive, sustainable ocean development and financing, with Seychelles and other countries cited as reference points. Digital Identity & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection commissioner warns digital ID can’t work in a legal vacuum, stressing privacy and cybersecurity as core, not add-ons. Travel Tech & Borders (Ghana): Ghana launches an e-visa portal for online applications and abolishes visa fees for African travellers, while also upgrading airport screening to end removing belts and shoes from August 2026. Health Research: A study finds Seychelles warbler social breeding can increase sharing of anaerobic gut bacteria among nest partners.

Seychelles Conservation Breakthrough: DNA analysis has identified the Seychelles’ “lost” crocodiles as the westernmost population of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), linking museum specimens to animals across the Indian Ocean. Indian Ocean Marine Governance: Monaco’s Explorations de Monaco presented a 2022 mission report with 25 recommendations for marine ecosystem protection, fisheries sustainability, and stronger regional cooperation across Seychelles, Mauritius and the Saya de Malha Bank. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers say hackers are using two “bulletproof” hosting providers (GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH) to run JavaScript malware infrastructure for large-scale malspam and business email compromise. Digital ID & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection commissioner warns digital identity can’t work in a legal vacuum, stressing privacy and cybersecurity as core—not optional—building blocks. Seychelles-Linked Diplomacy: Seychelles and Bangladesh are pushing ahead on bilateral cooperation frameworks after talks in Victoria, with focus areas including maritime security, climate resilience and fisheries. Health Research: A study on Seychelles warblers links cooperative nesting to greater sharing of anaerobic gut bacteria among interacting birds. Regional Policy Tech: Ghana launches a new e-visa portal and ends visa fees for African travellers, while also upgrading airport screening to reduce the “belts and shoes” hassle.