President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed Ms. Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, for a courtesy call at State House this morning. The delegation accompanying Ms. Kwakwa included Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, First Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Brian Commettant, and Country Director, Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough.

President Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude for the World Bank’s steadfast support and technical expertise, underscoring the institution’s critical role in advancing Seychelles’ development objectives.

During the meeting, Ms. Kwakwa congratulated President Ramkalawan on his recent accolades, notably the Friedrich Naumann Africa Freedom Prize and Seychelles’ top position on the Mo Ibrahim Index. She praised the strong partnership between the World Bank and Seychelles and emphasized the importance of deepening this collaboration.

Discussions focused on pivotal areas such as climate change mitigation, renewable energy initiatives, social development challenges, and reforms in the pension and education systems.

Ms. Kwakwa reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development agenda, commending the nation’s action plans for their “solid and analytical work.” Speaking to the media afterward, she confirmed the institution’s readiness to provide tailored expertise and assistance aligned with Seychelles’ long-term goals.

This engagement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Seychelles and the World Bank, reinforcing their shared dedication to sustainable development and economic progress.