Cabinet approves a number of legal and policy memoranda |15 March 2025

President Wavel Ramkalawan on Wednesday chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet, in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.

The Cabinet approved a 7% increase in the National Minimum Wage, effective April 1, 2025, as

proposed in the 2024 Budget Speech. This adjustment, the first since January 2020, follows

consultations conducted by the Employment department through the National Consultative

Committee on Employment (NCCE). The increase will raise the hourly wage from R38.27 to

R40.95 and the monthly minimum wage to R6,210.75 for a 35-hour workweek, with casual

workers' hourly wage increasing from R44.10 to R47.19. The approved increase will require

amendments to the Employment (National Minimum Wage) Regulations, 2007.

The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Stamp Duty (Exemption) Order, 2019, to introduce

a progressive exemption mechanism for property transactions for first-time homeowners, land

exchanges with the government, lease agreements, parent-to-child transfers, divorce

settlements, and mortgage discharges exceeding the exemption threshold. This change ensures

that stamp duty applies only to the portion of a property's value above R3 million rather than

the entire transaction, addressing concerns that individuals just above the threshold face full duty

liability. The amendment, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, will also extend the revised

exemption threshold to parent-to-child and matrimonial property transfers for legal consistency.

While the adjustment is expected to reduce government revenue from stamp duty collection, it

aims to alleviate financial strain on middle-income homebuyers, encourage private

homeownership, and reduce reliance on government housing support. The decision balances

economic relief for homeowners with fiscal sustainability, aligning with broader progressive tax

The Cabinet approved the Seychelles National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, outlining the

country’s approach to maximising benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

while addressing structural challenges. The strategy focuses on economic diversification,

targeting key sectors such as digital financial services, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture,

and aims to integrate Seychelles into regional and continental value chains through enhanced

maritime infrastructure and financial support. Measures include investment in value-added

sectors, awareness campaigns, and engagement with the diaspora to boost trade opportunities.

Infrastructure development, including the expansion of the Port of Victoria and digitalisation of

port operations, will strengthen Seychelles’ position as a regional trade hub. To support

implementation, a National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) will oversee progress, backed

by a structured monitoring framework, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and legal and

financial adaptations to align with AfCFTA commitments. The strategy ensures inclusive

economic growth, promotes export expansion, and enhances Seychelles' competitiveness in

African markets.

The Cabinet was briefed on the persistent issue of unauthorised street vending in Market Street

and surrounding areas, following concerns over congestion, public health risks, and ineffective

enforcement. A city-wide clean-up operation is scheduled for March 15–16, 2025, targeting key

locations to remove unauthorised stalls and improve hygiene. A high-level meeting will be held

to agree on the way forward with regard to having market places that will allow vendors to sell

their products in a conducive and hygienic environment.

The Cabinet approved a coordinated campaign to combat rodent infestation and stray animal

issues in Victoria, recognising the urgent need for immediate intervention to protect public

health and improve hygiene standards. The initiative will involve an aggressive deratisation

campaign, enhanced waste management, and the installation of rodent-proof bins, with interagency cooperation and public awareness efforts. The campaign, set to launch in March, will be

continuously monitored to ensure its effectiveness, aiming to safeguard public health and uphold

Victoria’s reputation as a clean and safe urban centre.

Press release from the Cabinet Office in the Office of the President