. According to Hello Safe Prosperity Index 2026, Seychelles tops the list of the richest countries in Africa.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Seychelles on his three-day visit. He will attend the 50th National Day celebrations there on June 29 as the chief guest. As soon as he landed on Seychelles soil last Saturday, he was welcomed by the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Hermini. On the pretext of this visit of PM Modi, we will learn about the relationship between Seychelles and India. Also, how did this small island country become the richest country in Africa?
Seychelles is a small island country. It is located in the Indian Ocean. The population is only 1.35 lakh. The area is approximately 450 square kilometers. It is a group of 115 islands. There is very little land. Still it is considered the richest country in Africa. According to Hello Safe Prosperity Index 2026, Seychelles tops the list of the richest countries in Africa. He has got 98.09 marks. Mauritius and Algeria are at second and third place respectively in this list. The agency has not given importance to per capita income alone in deciding the ranking. The ranking has been decided on the basis of a total of five parameters. These have been based on purchasing power, per capita income, human development index, equal distribution of income and relative poverty. Per capita income is 42110 US dollars.
India-Seychelles relationship is 256 years old
Seychelles may be a small country but it is very important for India. The first permanent settlement was established here in the year 1770. Among the 27 citizens who arrived here in that first batch, five were Indians. Later people also arrived from Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Gujarat and other parts of the country. Today every eighth person in the country is of Indian origin. On June 29, 1976, Seychelles gained independence from Britain and emerged on the world map as an independent country. This small island country was first ruled by the French and then later by Britain.
PM Modi in Seychelles. Photo: X/Narendra Modi
Tourism is the cornerstone of prosperity
Tourism is Seychelles’ main source of income. The sea, beaches and nature here attract tourists. Luxury resorts have been built here. Foreign tourists spend expensively. Hotels, travel, food and activities provide revenue to the government. Private investors have also invested capital here. Tourism increased jobs. Local services and artisans benefited. Every year 3.5 to 4 lakh foreign tourists reach this country. This means that many times more tourists come than the population of the country. Most of the tourists come here from Europe. Then it is Asia’s turn. A fair number of Indians have been arriving in recent years.
Income is also earned from fisheries and marine resources
Marine fish and marine life are also Seychelles’ second largest source of income. Fish are found in abundance in the nearby waters. Foreign exchange comes from fishing and export. Marine tourism such as diving also contributed. Marine conservation made the resource sustainable. Through this medium, Seychelles earns 300 to 500 million US dollars every year. Fish accounts for 90 percent of Seychelles’ total domestic exports.
Seychelles’ main source of income is tourism. Photo: Getty Images
Investment and economic policies
The government encouraged foreign investment. Investors were given simple rules and tax incentives. Banking and financial services were developed. Many foreign companies opened branches here. Small businesses got support. Focus was on innovation and service sector. UAE, France, South Africa, China and India have also invested here. These investments have mainly been in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, real estate, fisheries etc.
How is the financial and tax system?
Seychelles has flexible tax policy. Taxes on some services were kept low. This policy attracts investment. Private banking and investment services strengthened. The government showed prudence in public expenditure. Financial management kept the country’s income stable. Income tax, professional tax, and value added tax are applicable here. This system is the same for all Indians and foreigners.
Foreign aid and international relations
Seychelles took help from global partners. Got grants and loans for development projects. International relations increased tourism and trade. Bilateral agreements were signed with nations. These agreements were helpful in both investment and security.Seychelles placed more emphasis on health and education. There was good access to general education. Health services also improved. This increased productivity. The small population got the benefit of skilled labor. Skill development strengthened the service sector.
Seychelles emphasized on saving nature. Nature and biodiversity conservation made tourism sustainable. Marine reserves were created. A balance was maintained between tourism and conservation. These policies ensure long term income.
Challenges and limitations are no less
Small size and limited resources are challenges facing Seychelles. Climate change poses threats. Economic dependence on tourism is at risk. Inflation and income inequality are also problems. Still, the government made plans and made reforms.
PM Modi receives a grand ceremonial welcome in Victoria as he begins his three-day State Visit to Seychelles.
President Dr. Patrick Herminie, Cabinet Ministers, and senior dignitaries welcomed him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
watch. 🔽 pic.twitter.com/7ckzQjkSMY
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 27, 2026
What is the meaning of Prime Minister Modi’s visit?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit emphasized that Seychelles is an African partner. The visit strengthened bilateral relations. This visit gives positive signals on economic cooperation and investment. Such visits can create more opportunities in business and tourism.
To put it simply and briefly, Seychelles’ prosperity is a combination of many factors. Tourism is its main pillar. Marine resources, investment-friendly policies and good governance are also important. Environmental protection and human development have given stability. Small population helped increase per capita income. Steps like Prime Minister Modi’s visit increase friendship and cooperation. However, the path ahead is not at all easy. Challenges will remain ahead. But with the right policies, Seychelles can maintain sustainable prosperity.
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