VICTORIA, September 17, 2026 —Seychelles can unlock faster growth, create more and better-paid jobs, and strengthen economic opportunities for future generations by raising productivity, according to a new report released today from the World Bank. The 2026 Seychelles Country Growth and Jobs Report: Modernize, Utilize, Digitalize: How to Raise Productivity to Deliver Growth, Good Jobs, and Social Mobility finds that reforms could increase GDP by 13% by 2040, create 2,900 additional jobs, and generate the equivalent of more than 7,600 better-paying jobs. Real wages could rise by almost 8% and household purchasing power by more than 8%, improving living standards and expanding economic opportunities across the country.
“Seychelles has ambitious goals for the future and achieving them will require continued reforms that support productivity, innovation, and private sector growth,” said Minister Pierre Laporte, Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Republic of Seychelles. “This report provides important insights to help guide our efforts to create opportunities for young people, generate jobs, strengthen competitiveness, and improve living standards for all Seychellois.”
Despite over three decades of economic growth—giving it Africa’s highest income per capita—Seychelles faces growing pressures. An aging population, skills shortages, and vulnerabilities linked to its small size and geographic isolation are making it harder to sustain the country’s strong economic performance. Further progress will depend on overcoming challenges such as labor market constraints that limit productivity, gaps in youth skills and opportunities that weaken human capital development, a business environment where high costs and barriers limit private sector dynamism, and gaps in digital adoption that hinder innovation and growth.
The report finds that raising productivity is key to overcoming these constraints. It identifies three priorities: modernize the labor market and business environment; invest in people and skills, and accelerate digital transformation across the economy.
- Seychelles has built an impressive development record and achieved one of Africa’s highest standards of living. The next challenge is to unlock higher productivity and continue creating quality jobs, raising incomes, and expanding opportunities for future generations. This report shows that targeted reforms in the labor market, human capital, and digital transformation can help the country build a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive economy.
