VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Postal Regulator, Neddy Padayachy, has reported significant growth in the country’s courier and postal services for 2024, with a total of approximately 699,000 shipments processed during the year. This represents an 18 percent increase in mail-related shipments compared to the previous year. There was also a 35 percent increase in total shipment weight, with around 265,000 kilograms of goods entering Seychelles. December alone accounted for 70,000 kg; a spike attributed to the Black Friday sales period in November, where customers typically make bulk purchases that arrive the following month.
Mr Padayachy noted that consolidation shipping has been a key feature of the 2024 market, with many small and medium-sized importers switching from boat shipments to smaller-scale air freight to enable weekly imports. The shift has made businesses more efficient and responsive to customer needs. Shein remains the most common source of shipments, with about 80,000 shipments from the company recorded last year. “One shipment can consist of five to ten parcels in a box,” he added.
To address growing volumes and enhance efficiency, the Postal Regulator is pushing forward with its new warehouse project at the airport, which will play a key role in the evolving e-commerce landscape. The warehouse, which will be situated adjacent to the cargo terminal, will cover around 4,900 square metres across two floors. The national addressing system is also advancing, with the first phase in Beau Vallon, where zones and roads have been mapped and pegged. A legal framework is now in its second draft and will soon be submitted to the Cabinet. “Every building, every location, and every community will be digitally mapped,” said Mr Padayachy.
