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​The European Union is reinforcing its support with USD 345,000 in humanitarian aid to contribute to the support to the increased number of Zimbabweans returnees fleeing violence in South Africa and to strengthen Zimbabwe's response to a surging cholera outbreak. The funding will help provide life-saving assistance to thousands in urgent need.

The EU is supporting Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in assisting over 5,000 vulnerable returnees from South Africa following violence targeting foreign nationals. Between April and 28 July. almost 110 thousand people have crossed back into Zimbabwe, placing significant pressure on reception facilities at Beitbridge Border Post. Many returnees are spending nights at the reception centre while waiting for transport home, facing cold winter temperatures and limited shelter. This support intends to join forces with the ongoing Government-led efforts and other partners to assist returnees at Beitbridge and with transport services.

The EU funding will reinforce the efforts of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in delivering much-needed relief including emergency shelter, food, blankets, clean water, healthcare, hygiene support, and essential relief supplies. The operation will also provide psychosocial support, protection services, and Restoring Family Links (RFL), helping families reconnect with loved ones. The humanitarian response prioritizes support for women and children, older persons, people with disabilities, and others with specific needs. Women and girls, who constitute an estimated 65 per cent of the returning population, will receive targeted support to address their specific health, protection, and dignity needs.

The cholera outbreak, first detected in Rushinga District in January 2026, has since spread to several districts in Manicaland and Midlands provinces. Since then, transmission has been reported in Nyanga, Mutasa, Mutare City, Chipinge, Chimanimani and Zvishavane, with mining communities and border areas emerging as major hotspots. Limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in these areas continues to increase the risk of further transmission. 

In response to the cholera outbreak, the EU funding will provide 88,200 people with anticipatory measures and response, such as training and deploying volunteers to strengthen community surveillance, early case detection and referral, hygiene promotion, household water treatment, a rapid response strategy to mitigate cholera outbreaks, and community engagement in the affected districts.

The two operations will run for six months and will be conducted in coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe, the IFRC, United Nations agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.

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President Dr Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 5th August, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.

Cabinet approved Seychelles, jointly with Mauritius, entering into and signing a Multi-Client Seismic Survey Agreement with Viridien for the acquisition of geological and geophysical data within the Joint Management Area of the Extended Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region. The survey will improve understanding of the area's seabed and subsoil resources and support evidence-based decisions on their potential, while ensuring that any activities are undertaken in accordance with applicable environmental, legal and regulatory requirements.

Cabinet approved the proposal to remunerate the Accounts Receivable Irrecoverable Debts Write-Off Committee and the Irrecoverable Government Loans & Debts Write-Off Committee in accordance with the Government's existing remuneration framework. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight, due diligence, transparency and accountability in the assessment and write-off of irrecoverable government debts and loans, with the associated expenditure to be accommodated within the Ministry's approved budget and available budgetary provisions.

Cabinet approved the policy options presented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment to address the conflict between the Immovable Property Tax Act and the non-discrimination provisions of certain Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), particularly the Seychelles–South Africa DTAA. This includes the temporary exemption of South African nationals and nationals of countries with similar provisions, pending the renegotiation of the affected DTAAs, and the implementation of the necessary legal, policy and administrative measures.

Cabinet approved in principle Seychelles' hosting of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) Annual General Meeting and Broadcasters Convention – Southern Africa, scheduled for 22–26 October 2026, with the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) serving as the Host Institution. The necessary preparatory and inter-agency arrangements were also endorsed to facilitate the successful hosting of the regional event, which is expected to bring together senior broadcasting and media stakeholders from across the SADC region and enhance Seychelles' regional profile and engagement in broadcasting.

Cabinet approved the Approved the designation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora as the custodian Ministry for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Seychelles. The Ministry was also mandated to establish and operationalise the APRM National Structures, with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies directed to support the process to strengthen good governance, transparency, accountability and Seychelles' engagement within the African Union governance framework.

Cabinet approved the proposed organisational structures for the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI), effective August 2026. The approved framework establishes clear governance and reporting arrangements, separating national policy leadership from programme implementation to strengthen accountability and coordination. The decision will enhance the delivery of science, technology and innovation initiatives, support research and entrepreneurship, and reinforce Seychelles' transition towards a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, in line with the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2025.

Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Integrated Governance System to strengthen coordination, collaboration and implementation of science, technology and innovation initiatives across Government, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders. The new governance system, established under the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI) Act, 2025, will provide a structured framework for improved policy coordination, enhanced institutional linkages, and more effective delivery of the national STI agenda in support of Seychelles' socio-economic development.

Cabinet discussed the findings and recommendations of the 2026 La Digue Transport Assessment, including proposed policy, regulatory and enforcement measures to strengthen the management of the island's transport system. It was agreed that the proclamation of roads should proceed, with the public informed accordingly; the arrival of approved buggies and pick-up vehicles destined for La Digue should be allowed onto the island, while no new applications for additional buggies or electric vehicles would be approved until further notice. A scientific carrying capacity study will also be undertaken to determine the island's sustainable limits for vehicles, tourism and future development, and to guide future policy decisions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.