VICTORIA, Seychelles — Vice-President Sebastien Pillay has pushed maritime security and climate action at the 2nd Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, representing President Patrick Herminie and advocating for Seychelles’ strategic interests. Italy confirmed a strategic expansion of the Mattei Plan, which now includes 14 priority nations and introduces system-wide missions opening new avenues for Seychelles in maritime security and Blue Economy infrastructure.
The Mattei Plan’s expansion represents a significant opportunity for Seychelles to access Italian investment in key sectors. Italy has signalled its intent to serve as a security bridge between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, positioning Seychelles as a prime candidate for technical cooperation missions deploying advanced Italian satellite and sensor technology.
As host of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre, Seychelles stands to benefit from new initiatives including Green Port Modernisation for decarbonising maritime logistics in Victoria, subsea infrastructure protection for critical underwater data cables, and climate resilience projects accessing the Italian Climate Fund for marine conservation and renewable energy. Seychelles will engage with Italian financial instruments including Cassa Depositi e Prestiti for concessional loans.
Vice-President Pillay also addressed the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, speaking as Chair of the African Island States Climate Commission. He urged African nations to move beyond statements of intent and commit to tangible, results-oriented climate action, highlighting Seychelles’ pioneering debt-for-nature swap as a model for climate finance.
Seychelles will advocate for a SIDS-specific Blue Pillar within the Mattei Plan ahead of the mid-year G7 review. The vice-president emphasised two key pillars for measurable impact: enhanced national budgeting prioritising climate resilience in fiscal frameworks, and strengthened domestic resource mobilisation.
Italy-Africa Summit outcomes position Seychelles to leverage new maritime security partnerships.
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