E-commerce Trends in Seychelles for 2025

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Seychelles, a paradise archipelago in the Indian Ocean, doesn’t just attract tourists from around the world. This island nation is also becoming a dynamic player in e-commerce, with an expanding market offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, it’s crucial to understand the trends shaping e-commerce in this unique destination. Let’s dive into the key aspects defining the future of online commerce in the Seychelles.

The Shopping Habit Revolution: The Connected Seychellois Consumer

Seychellois consumer behavior is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by growing internet and smartphone penetration. With over 96% of the population having internet access, shopping habits are shifting toward digital at an unprecedented pace. Seychellois spend an average of over 10 hours per day online, creating fertile ground for e-commerce development.

This increased connectivity translates into significant growth in online shopping. Seychellois consumers are increasingly seeking the convenience and variety offered by e-commerce platforms. They’re particularly drawn to electronics, fashion, and beauty products, but also to services related to local tourism, such as hotel and activity bookings.

A notable aspect of Seychellois consumer behavior is their growing preference for personalized shopping experiences. They expect tailored product recommendations and responsive customer service, pushing e-commerce businesses to invest in artificial intelligence technologies to enhance user experience.

Technological Innovation at the Heart of Growth: Solutions Tailored to the Local Market

Technological innovation plays a central role in the rise of e-commerce in the Seychelles. Local and international companies are heavily investing in solutions adapted to the specificities of the Seychellois market. Among the most notable trends are the rapid adoption of mobile technologies and the integration of innovative payment solutions.

M-commerce, or mobile commerce, is booming. Mobile-optimized shopping applications are experiencing explosive growth, with a 68% increase in online shopping revenue between 2020 and 2021. This trend is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating additional growth of 18% in 2025, reaching revenue exceeding 149 billion Seychellois rupees (approximately $26.2 billion).

The integration of emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is also beginning to appear in the Seychellois e-commerce landscape. These technologies allow consumers to visualize products in their environment before purchase, which is particularly appreciated in the fashion and furniture sectors.

In terms of payment, local solutions are gaining ground. Instant payment platforms like Pix, launched by the Central Bank of Seychelles, are experiencing meteoric success with tens of millions of users. These solutions address the need for financial inclusion, knowing that approximately 25% of Seychellois consumers don’t have traditional bank accounts.

Logistics Reimagined: Overcoming the Island Challenge

Logistics and delivery represent a major challenge for e-commerce in the Seychelles, due to the country’s island nature. However, innovative solutions are emerging to overcome these obstacles and offer a smooth delivery experience to Seychellois consumers.

E-commerce businesses are investing in strategic partnerships with local and international logistics companies to optimize delivery times. Players like DPD, which offers local and international express delivery services, play a crucial role in improving the supply chain. Their approach combining an owned fleet and partnerships with independent carriers enables flexible services tailored to the specific needs of the Seychellois market.

The use of advanced tracking technologies is also gaining importance. Seychellois consumers now expect to be able to track their packages in real time, from order to delivery. This increased transparency helps strengthen consumer confidence in online shopping.

An emerging trend is the development of automated pickup points in urban areas of the main islands like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. These solutions allow consumers to retrieve their packages 24/7, offering appreciated flexibility in a context where work schedules can be variable.

Digital Marketing: A Local Approach for Global Reach

Digital marketing plays a crucial role in the development of e-commerce in the Seychelles, with strategies that combine a local approach and a global vision. E-commerce businesses adapt their marketing campaigns to resonate with the values and aspirations of Seychellois consumers, while leveraging global trends.

The use of social media as a marketing and direct sales platform is booming. Instagram and Facebook are particularly popular, with high engagement rates among the Seychellois population. Brands invest in creating appealing visual content, showcasing the natural beauty of the Seychelles to promote their products and services.

Influencer marketing is also experiencing significant growth. Businesses collaborate with local influencers and content creators to reach their target audience authentically. This approach proves particularly effective for promoting products and services related to tourism, fashion, and wellness.

An emerging trend is the increased use of video marketing. E-commerce businesses in the Seychelles are adopting short, engaging video formats to captivate their audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. These videos often feature products in local contexts, thereby strengthening the emotional connection with consumers.

Email marketing remains an important channel, but with a more personalized approach. Businesses use advanced segmentation techniques to send targeted communications, thereby increasing open and conversion rates.

Future Outlook: An Expanding Market

Forecasts for the e-commerce market in the Seychelles are extremely promising. Analysts predict continued sector growth, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% between 2025 and 2030. This growth is fueled by several key factors:

• The steady increase in internet and smartphone penetration
• Improving logistics infrastructure
• Growing adoption of digital payment solutions
• The development of digital tourism

The tourism sector, a pillar of the Seychellois economy, plays a major role in this growth. E-commerce platforms related to tourism, offering unique local experiences and artisanal products, are expected to experience particularly strong growth. This trend is supported by government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and the circular economy.

The emergence of local startups in the e-commerce field is also a key growth factor. These businesses, often founded by young Seychellois entrepreneurs, bring innovative solutions adapted to the specific needs of the local market. They benefit from increasing support from the government and international investors.

Finally, the increasing integration of the Seychelles into regional and international trade networks opens new perspectives for cross-border e-commerce. Trade agreements with other Indian Ocean countries and beyond facilitate access to new markets for Seychellois e-commerce businesses.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Seychellois E-commerce

The e-commerce landscape in the Seychelles is rapidly evolving, offering exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. The combination of an increasingly connected population, technological innovations adapted to the local context, and a rapidly growing market creates an environment conducive to the development of successful e-commerce businesses.

To succeed in this dynamic market, e-commerce players must stay attuned to the specific needs of Seychellois consumers, while leveraging the latest technological advances. The focus on personalized customer experience, efficient logistics, and targeted digital marketing will be crucial to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

The Seychelles, with their unique position at the crossroads of Indian Ocean cultures and markets, offer an ideal platform for businesses looking to explore new horizons in the e-commerce field. Whether for innovative local startups or international companies seeking to establish themselves in the region, the opportunities are numerous and promising.