Appointed as minister for industry and enterprise in November 2025, Geralda Desaubin is driving a modernisation and digitalisation agenda aimed at diversifying Seychelles’ economy beyond tourism and fisheries. Here, she explains why now is the moment for the country to open new doors to investment. 

Q: What is your vision for the sector, and which priorities are you executing first? 

Since we took office, the government’s manifesto has focused on modernisation and digitalisation across the country, government and the industry and enterprise sector. We are prioritising innovation, technology and the digitalisation of institutions under government responsibility. 

We are encouraging people, businesses and the enterprise and industry community to embrace technology as they grow, and for start-ups to align their growth with digital innovation. We want businesses to integrate more digital innovation into their operations, which will help them grow not only nationally, but also in international markets. 

Since we came into the ministry, we have conducted a situational analysis to assess the status quo across businesses and industries and to determine how best to incorporate digitalisation, technology and innovation into business operations, future and growth strategies. 

Q: Where are the biggest opportunities to grow industry’s share of GDP? 

Industry has much more to offer, and we can do more. For a long time, we focused on specific industries; tourism and fisheries have been our two main pillars. However, we learned from COVID-19 that we cannot rely primarily on these two sectors anymore, and that we must diversify. 

We should embrace diversification and encourage more start-ups, innovation-based businesses and technology-based businesses so that we have a diversified economy contributing to GDP, not only tourism and fisheries. 

Q: What are the key opportunities for UAE-based investors? 

Seychelles is a small island economy and is limited in terms of investment capacity compared to other countries, but that does not mean there are no investment opportunities. There have been major investments in the past, largely in traditional areas such as tourism, hotels and hospitality. 

It is time to move away from these traditional investments and explore new opportunities and markets. Following my participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week last week, sustainable energy is one area where we can promote and encourage more investment for the country, aligned with technology and innovation. 

I understand that UAE investors often focus on financial investments and financial services, but Seychelles is limited in these areas. I also understand there is interest in real estate, and Seychelles can explore this as well, although not necessarily at the level of expectation an investor might seek. Sustainable energy is a major focus of the new government, and it is an area we can tap into for investment. 

Q: How is the ministry reforming the regulatory environment for investors? 

The ministry is working to strengthen an investment environment focused on ease of doing business. There is too much bureaucracy and red tape associated with doing business, not only for international investors, but locally as well, including small businesses. 

We also aim to maintain an approachable tax regime that encourages investors to come in and supports further investment. In line with ease of doing business, we have plans with the UAE Investment Government Business Centre to establish a one-stop shop for anyone coming in to set up a business or invest. 

This will be supported by a digital platform, an investment portal, so that processes can be completed online, or, for those who prefer, at the centre where all services will be under one roof. Political stability is also key. 

Q: How are Vision 2033 priorities translating into measurable enterprise growth? 

We are working toward the investment portal and plan to establish a business database in which all businesses are listed and registered, with information readily available to investors and others looking for opportunities. 

With this database, investors will be able to see market trends, identify which areas are more profitable and which areas are currently the most vulnerable, including where an investor can enter. 

For this to be successful, training in digital skills is essential. We can have the equipment and databases, but if people do not use them or do not know how to use them, there is no point. This morning, we met with the University of Seychelles to discuss customised courses specifically related to innovation, technology, digitalisation and modernisation of government. 

Q: How did Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week influence your approach? 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week was a real eye-opener. It showed us what is happening globally, where the gap is between Seychelles and what is being done internationally and where Seychelles needs to improve in terms of technology and direction. 

Now that we are back, we are working with various ministries. We have a national ICT policy, and we are assessing how to incorporate what we learned into that policy. 

Q: Why is now the right time for UAE investors to enter Seychelles? 

Now is the right time to invest in Seychelles because this is the period in which Seychelles is diversifying its economy and exploring other investment opportunities. This is the right moment to come in and work with Seychelles as a partner in exploring these new opportunities, and to grow together as partners as the new investment areas develop. 

Q: What lessons have shaped your leadership style? 

I have learned many things throughout my career. One is that you must always keep abreast of developments; you cannot be left behind. You need to adapt to change as markets and the world change. 

I do not believe in the saying, «If it is not broken, do not fix it.» Even if it is not broken, there are always ways to improve and make it better. 

You must focus on what you want and work hard to get there, with a clear plan. I am very organised and structured; I cannot function in messy ways. Have your plan, your work plan, and your strategic plan, and focus on how you will get there. There will always be noise, so ignore it, focus on the work and you will get where you want to be.