The Seychelles government and the World Bank held discussions on Monday, focusing on new areas of collaboration, including climate finance, tackling coastal erosion, addressing social issues, and enhancing public service efficiency. Renewable energy development also featured prominently on the agenda.
Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank’s regional vice president for Eastern and Southern Africa, met with Seychelles’ Finance, National Planning, and Trade Minister, Naadir Hassan, following a site visit on Sunday. Kwakwa and her delegation toured several sites along the East Coast of Mahé, where World Bank-funded projects aim to mitigate the impact of climate change-induced coastal erosion.
The initial phase of one such project, addressing a 300-meter stretch of coastline at a cost of SCR 2.1 million ($152,000), has been completed. During the meeting, Kwakwa described the field visit as an eye-opening experience, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by small island nations like Seychelles due to climate change.
“It is vital for us to listen to our clients, particularly the voices of small island states. The World Bank stands ready to support Seychelles,” said Kwakwa.
Minister Hassan emphasized the importance of collaboration with development partners like the World Bank to align objectives and make efficient use of limited resources.
Kwakwa is expected to remain in Seychelles until November 19. The island nation, located in the western Indian Ocean, remains highly vulnerable to climate-related challenges due to extensive infrastructure along its coastlines, which support its tourism-driven economy.
