Beyond Sun and Sand: Seychelles Pivots to the Creative Economy with New Culture Reform Council
For decades, small island developing states have heavily relied on traditional tourism to anchor their economies. However, as global travel patterns evolve and the demand for authentic, heritage-based experiences grows, nations are increasingly recognising that their cultural assets are just as economically vital as their coastlines. The recent announcement by the Office of the President of Seychelles regarding the appointment of a Culture Reform Council marks a strategic pivot from viewing culture as mere entertainment to treating it as a foundational pillar of the national economy.
Given a two-year mandate, this temporary advisory body is tasked with providing a comprehensive strategic direction for the reform and development of the Seychellois cultural sector. Rather than focusing solely on the preservation of the past, the council’s mandate reflects a modern, forward-looking economic agenda aimed at institutionalising the nation’s creative industries.
The Creative Economy Imperative
Across Africa and the Indian Ocean region, policymakers are awakening to the potential of the “Orange Economy”—a term used to describe the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology. The newly appointed council in Seychelles is explicitly mandated to identify opportunities for the development of these cultural and creative industries.
By prioritizing institutional reforms and recommending sustainable funding mechanisms, the government is acknowledging a critical reality: cultural sectors are historically underfunded and often left vulnerable to economic shocks. By transitioning from ad-hoc government grants to sustainable financial models, Seychelles aims to transform its cultural sector into a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and creative business ventures. This aligns seamlessly with global development frameworks championed by organizations like UNCTAD, which emphasize the creative economy as a driver of inclusive growth.
Safeguarding the Moutya on the Global Stage
A particularly notable aspect of the council’s mandate is the explicit directive to guide the preservation and promotion of the Moutya. This traditional dance, deeply rooted in the history of enslaved Africans who brought it to the islands, was officially recognized under the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Protecting intangible heritage in a rapidly globalising world requires more than archival documentation; it requires active, policy-driven integration into the modern public sphere. By elevating the Moutya within a formal strategic framework, Seychelles is ensuring that its cultural identity remains a living, breathing component of its national narrative, which subsequently enriches the depth of its travel and tourism offerings.
Leadership and Institutional Capacity
To turn these ambitious policy goals into a structural reality, the government has assembled a robust coalition of cultural and academic stalwarts. Led by Chairperson Dr. Penda Choppy and Vice-Chairperson Dr. Odile De Comarmond, the council includes prominent figures such as Ambassador Patrick Victor, Ziggy Adam, Allen Comettant, Jean-Marc Volcy, Ruth Barbe, Isis Rath, and Bertin Telemaque.
Their collective task over the next 24 months is formidable: to draft a final report and strategic framework that will dictate the future direction of the sector. If successful, the Culture Reform Council will not only secure the heritage of Seychelles but will also establish a replicable blueprint for other developing nations seeking to monetize and protect their cultural wealth without compromising their authenticity.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent policy analysis based on institutional developments and international cultural economic models. It is intended to encourage informed public discussion and does not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Afrikeye.
