When flying off the coast of East Africa, one may spot a glimpse of the 115 islands that make up Seychelles. In terms of land area, this is the smallest African nation. Yet, the archipelago is making big waves in the energy industry to combat environmental changes and economic impacts. Contrary to mainland nations, critical problems for this cluster of islands include vulnerability to changing weather and reliance on foreign oil. To combat this, large scale changes are in progress for renewable energy in Seychelles.

Seychelles’ Renewable Energy Goal

According to the World Bank, Seychelles has the highest Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in Africa. The small African nation boasts an impressive renewable energy goal of reaching 15% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. This change impacts far more than Seychelles’ carbon footprint. Without the means to produce their own energy, local communities are at the mercy of fluctuating import costs of energy and fuel, which support important vehicles, like cars and boats. For a country with an economy driven primarily by fishing and tourism, the shift towards renewable energy has the potential to decrease poverty through economic growth and increase job opportunities related to energy initiatives. 

The Dangers of Fossil Fuels

Experts have linked air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels, such as the use of diesel-fueled vehicles, to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes. To address the effects of biodiversity loss and pollution, Seychelles entered a more than two-decade long partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This partnership has helped the country mitigate greenhouse gases and both land and marine pollution. According to Seychelles’ Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, “The programmes that UNEP has been operating over the past years have really contributed to the success of Seychelles that we see today.”

The Creation of Solar Farms

Due to Seychelles’ lack of natural oil reservoirs and limited space for development, the government announced the creation of floating solar farms on uninhabited islands. “The Seychelles import three times more oil than they need so that they can support internal activities as well as boats and airplanes that travel to and from the islands,” Forbes reports. In 2024, the country secured a $15 million loan from the World Bank to support key environmental challenges, including its progressive energy initiatives. Naadir Hassan, Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles, explains, “This support will help Seychelles strengthen financial stability and the business environment, improve fiscal management, and address important environmental and social challenges.” As with other island nations, access to energy sources is crucial for survival, especially due to an increased risk of extreme weather events. 

3 Opportunities That Renewable Energy in Seychelles Created

1. Poverty Reduction: While extreme poverty is hardly present, youth and single mothers make up a large portion of the 3.5% unemployment rate. In order to reach Seychelles’ renewable energy goals, it invests in the production of solar farms. The use of solar energy will reduce energy costs and create jobs related to the construction and maintenance of the farms. According to the World Bank, the success of social programs has contributed to the decline in poverty. It is reported that “the poverty rate is projected to decline from 6.2 percent in 2024 to 5.9 percent in 2025, based on the $6.85-per-day poverty line.” 
2. Economic Stimulation: The cost of importing of foreign oil is dependent on global markets. In 2023, the nation imported an estimated $361 million in refined petroleum. Renewable energy is competitive in price to fossil fuels. With an economy dependent on tourism, the decreased reliance on imported fuel lessens the financial burden for local communities, resulting in economic growth.
3. Health Benefits: The Ministry of Health in Seychelles alerted the public of air quality concerns in early 2025 due to “haze, caused by a combination of atmospheric conditions and potential transboundary pollutants.” Air pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels is a known contributor to respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases. Vulnerable populations include those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, including asthma. According to the Lancet Countdown, fossil fuel emissions contribute to more than 2 million deaths globally each year, as energy-related CO2 emissions continue to climb to new heights. Switching to renewable energy sources provides cleaner air and improves both public health and environmental stability.

Looking Ahead

The precedent that Seychelles has set is an environmentally conscious feat that serves as an example to the world. Not only is the investment in renewable energy production in Seychelles beneficial to the health of our environment, it increases opportunities to better our communities.

– Jamaya Newton

Jamaya is based in Somerset, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash