Moshito signs cultural exchange agreement with Seychelles

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Mahé, Seychelles, on 25 July, marking the beginning of reciprocal cultural and professional exchanges between South Africa and Seychelles. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between musicians and industry stakeholders from both countries.

The South African delegation was led by Moshito board chairperson Stanley Khoza and general manager Sinamandla Kwepile. Also in attendance was Eddie Hatitye, executive director of the Music In Africa Foundation, who joined in a goodwill capacity to support the regional cooperation initiative.

On the Seychelles side, the ceremony was attended by SNICHA secretary general David Andre, permanent secretary Cecille Kalebi, as well as senior officials from the country’s arts and creative sectors, including Jimmy Savy (National Arts and Craft Council), Emmanuel d’Offay (Creative Seychelles Agency), Galen Bresson (Intellectual Property and International Events), and Sophia Rosalie (International Relations).

The agreement sets the foundation for future collaboration through talent exchanges, policy engagement, and market development. The MoU outlines concrete plans for Seychellois participation in Moshito’s annual event in Johannesburg, where they will feature in showcases, panel discussions, and curated networking opportunities designed to promote their stories and sounds to a broader African audience.

Khoza described the signing as a significant step in strengthening regional ties: “This milestone signifies more than just an international collaboration, it is a clear demonstration of Moshito’s role as Africa’s premier music market and of Seychelles’ readiness to take its place in Africa’s fast-growing creative economy. With shared passion and commitment, both institutions are now poised to turn this vision into real opportunities for artists and cultural professionals. Both parties have agreed to a set of key deliverables to be achieved over the next six months as a sign of progressive and cohesive leadership.”

As part of the partnership, Moshito and SNICHA will also co-develop long-term training programmes, including workshops on intellectual property rights, music management, and digital skills development for young creatives. The inclusion of Seychelles within the Moshito network is expected to enrich continental creative industry conversations by introducing vital perspectives from the Indian Ocean region.

During the visit, the South African delegation praised the depth of talent and creativity they witnessed in Seychelles, while local stakeholders welcomed the partnership as a catalyst for cultural diplomacy, economic diversification, and export growth within the country’s creative industries.

Further updates on the implementation of the agreement will be shared in the coming months, with engagements planned at government and industry level to unlock additional collaborative opportunities.