The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr. Elias Magosi, paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Sébastien Pillay, on behalf of the President, who was engaged in prior official commitments, at State House this morning.
The Vice President warmly welcomed Mr. Magosi and his delegation, noting that the visit reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Seychelles and the SADC Secretariat. He recognised Seychelles’ commitment to regional cooperation and multilateral engagement within the SADC framework.
During the meeting, the Vice President raised matters relating to financial and administrative considerations. He highlighted the importance of continued dialogue on these issues within the SADC framework, with a view to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding.
Discussions also focused on financing mechanisms available to countries facing heightened vulnerability to climate change. In this regard, Vice President Pillay strongly reiterated Seychelles’ support for the implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). He noted that the MVI directly addresses the systemic challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including high exposure to climate shocks, narrow economic bases, limited fiscal space, and high debt burdens. Seychelles, he added, continues to call on SADC’s support in its engagement with international partners on this matter.
On his part, Executive Secretary Magosi reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting Seychelles’ priorities, particularly in light of the new government. He provided an overview of SADC’s mandate and ongoing work, and highlighted that the organisation is currently implementing the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which identifies priority areas for regional progress and integration.
The meeting also addressed regional peace and security, with recent developments in parts of the region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Both parties exchanged views on strengthening peace and security mechanisms and expediting regional integration within SADC. It was further noted that, given SADC’s engagement with numerous international organisations, the Secretariat can play a constructive role in advancing Seychelles’ priorities at broader international fora.
Seychelles is now a full Member State of SADC, following an announcement made during the Cabinet briefing on 23 December 2025. With the settlement of all outstanding arrears, Seychelles has secured full participation rights in SADC meetings, including access to official documents. Cabinet noted the importance of SADC to Seychelles’ regional, economic, security, and disaster risk management interests, and underscored that settling the arrears safeguards the country’s reputation as a responsible Member State while ensuring full engagement in upcoming SADC activities.
His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi was accompanied by Mr. Mike Masiye, Director for Policy, Planning and Resource Mobilisation, and Ms. Anette Mtambanengwe, Communication Officer.
Also present were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, and the Director General for Regional Affairs, Mr. Christian Faure.