The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has a project promoting technology assessment (TA) in the energy and agricultural sectors in Africa.

In Seychelles, following a comprehensive review of national development plans and the technological landscape, it has been decided that the focus of the TA will be on agrivoltaics for controlled-environment crop production. This technology combines, on the one hand, the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and photovoltaic power generation and, on the other hand, the cultivation of crops in total isolation from the ex-ternal environment. This technology holds a strong potential to ensure the availability of freshly grown vegetable crops throughout the year.

In July and August 2023, various focus group discussions took place to ensure a participatory and inclusive approach of the TA. These engagements gathered valuable perspectives from various stakeholders such as government representatives, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society.

Following the focus group discussions, the collected data underwent thorough analysis. The insights derived from this analysis and the resulting policy recommendations have been incorporated into a comprehensive TA Report, which also outlines the research carried out in the previous months. Additionally, a draft Action Plan is currently being formulated to delineate the measures and activities that stakeholders are expected to undertake over different time periods.

A crucial step in finalising this endeavour is to validate the findings and recommendations of the TA Report and proposed Action Plan. Recognising the significance of stake-holder input in this validation process, the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship & Industry (MIEI), in collaboration with UNCTAD, is organizing a joint national validation workshop. This workshop is designed to provide stakeholders with a platform to offer feedback on the TA Report and Action Plan and validate them before they are finalised and launched.

In addition to the TA Report and Action Plan, to support the implementation of the project in Seychelles, a Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) Review has been concluded to offer an improved understanding of the relevant policy and systemic challenges of the country. The STIP Review has been concluded in 2023, and it is now ready to be launched.