The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranks Seychelles as one of Africa's most technologically advanced nations. However, the organization stresses the need for continued advancements in cybersecurity.

On Wednesday, October 9, Seychelles approved the necessary steps to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. As part of this process, it was also recommended to make minor adjustments to the country's Computer and Cybercrimes Act (CRCA) to refine definitions, improve procedural laws, and enhance international cooperation.

"The Budapest Convention is considered as the most modern convention that helps all countries to fight against Cybercrime. By being part of the Budapest Convention, it will give us access to higher levels of international cooperation, which will put us as a country on par, in line with international standards," stated Ahmed Afif, Vice President of Seychelles.

This initiative aligns Seychelles' legal framework on cybersecurity with international norms, as outlined in its National Cybersecurity Strategy 2019-2024. Through this strategy, the government aims to make the country more resilient to cyber threats, ensuring continued use of ICT to foster economic and social development.

Seychelles is the third most advanced African country in ICT development, according to the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024, published in late June 2024. The country achieved a score of 84.7 out of 100, just 3.4 points behind the leader, Morocco. The average score across Africa (47 countries) was 50.3 points.

However, in terms of cybersecurity, Seychelles ranks in the "Evolving" category alongside 20 other African nations, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI) by the ITU, released in September 2024. The country excels in legal measures and cooperation but has notable gaps in technical, organizational, and capacity development areas.

Isaac K. Kassouwi