Visa Innovation Forum Charts Path for Cheque-Free Future in Seychelles
VICTORIA, Seychelles — A one-day workshop held yesterday at Eden Bleu Hotel signalled Seychelles’ steady march towards a future free of cheque books. Under the theme ‘Visa Innovation Forum — Solutions for Businesses — Advancing Beyond Cheques’, the event, hosted by Visa, brought together senior leaders from finance, business and government to explore digital payment solutions that will shape the country’s financial landscape.
Christian Mbonampeka, Visa’s country manager for the Indian Ocean Islands, recalled the days when businesses could not rely on the convenience of digital methods and underlined how innovation has since transformed money movement into a practical, reliable and secure process. ‘The Seychelles government’s decision to sunset cheques for business customers may present challenges, but Visa and other digital providers have the tools to ensure a smooth transition. Moving away from cheque books will unlock new opportunities for Seychelles and drive economic growth,’ he said.
Christophe Edmond, vice-chairperson of the Seychelles Bankers Association, emphasised that the local banking sector is entering the most critical moments of transition. ‘The financial system remains the backbone of our economy — supporting trade, tourism, fisheries and services. Cheque payments are the last hurdle to a stronger, more transparent banking sector,’ Edmond said. He revealed that by April 2025, Seychelles recorded 5.8 million digital transactions worth R32.3 billion, compared to just 128,000 cheque payments valued at R6.7 billion, showing that the economy is already overwhelmingly digital and that phasing out cheques by January 2027 will reinforce stability and efficiency.
Visa used the workshop to demonstrate how its solutions can streamline transactions for buyers and suppliers, offering faster payments, tighter financial controls and greater transparency. Participants engaged in interactive sessions showcasing acceptance options designed to make digital payments accessible to enterprises of all sizes. Mbonampeka stressed that Visa’s mission extends beyond technology: ‘Our goal is to empower Seychellois businesses with innovative payment solutions that drive growth and inclusion. Economies that include everyone uplift everyone.’
