FY 2024 Seychelles Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | October 2024 Acknowledgements The Seychelles Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Seychelles country team and independent field agency, DCDM Marketing Research. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Leonor Costa Neves (External Affairs Officer), who coordinated the survey-related activities from Maputo, Mozambique. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground in Seychelles World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Seychelles Communications and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) better understand how Seychelles stakeholders perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Seychelles’ development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past four years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement and Work on the Ground: What do key stakeholders value the most and the least about the WBG’s work in Seychelles? How is the WBG perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What are key stakeholders’ opinions of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 44% ▪ Fielded April – June 2024 ▪ 339 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Civil Society Organization 11% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online Private Sector 10% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Local Government Office or Staff 9% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Media 7% ▪ 126 participants (37% response rate) ▪ 97% from Mahé Office of a Parliamentarian (National Assembly, Legislative 6% ▪ 32% currently collaborate with the WBG body) Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 5% ▪ Compared to FY20 Country Survey ▪ 107 participants (35% response rate) Academia / Research Centers 5% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online ▪ 45% collaborated with the WBG Office of the President, Prime 3% Minister, Minister Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. What is your primary professional affiliation? Q (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=126) 5 6 Overall Context “Assist the country in developing proper legal and policy framework for the various sectors that can help guide the development and project implementation in these sectors. These should provide a clear direction of what the country wants to achieve and how to achieve this. This should also be realistic. WBG and all international organizations need to understand Seychelles’ context and situation as a small country with a small population being number one in Africa or a high-income country does not reflect the reality on the Ground. Put things in perspective.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Stakeholders Most Familiar with the UN ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to 6.5 United Nations indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations and the World Bank Group (WBG). Of these organizations, respondents in Seychelles indicated the highest levels of familiarity with 6.1 European Union the work of the United Nations, followed by the European Union. Respondents were least familiar with the work of the African Development Bank (AfDB) 6.0 International Monetary Fund ▪ Respondents’ familiarity with the WBG in this year’s survey was slightly higher than in FY20. 5.9 FY24 World Bank Group 5.7 FY20 5.5 African Union 5.3 African Development Bank (AfDB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Seychelles? Q Scale: (1-"Not familiar at all", 10-"Extremely familiar") 7 Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: All Respondents 5.9 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.1 Do not collaborate = 5.4 Broader Civil Society* 6.2 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from across stakeholder groups reported significantly different levels of familiarity, with respondents from the private sector significantly less familiar with WBG’s work than respondents from broader civil society and government Institutions. Government Institutions** 6.1 Private Sector 3.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity Q How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Seychelles? (World Bank Group) Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar (N=126) *Broader Civil Society included respondents from civil society organizations, academia/research centers, and media. **Government Institutions included respondents from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, government institutions, and local government institutions 8 Trust in the WBG was Moderate Central Bank of Seychelles 8.2 United Nations Development 7.3 Program (UNDP) In FY24, respondents in Seychelles gave the highest trust National government 7.3 ratings to the Central Bank of Seychelles. Trust in the WBG was moderate, placing it in the middle range of the institutions Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 7.2 studied. In contrast, media, bilateral organizations, and the private sector were the least trusted institutions among respondents. Academia / research centers 7.0 ▪ Respondents from broader civil society had lower trust World Bank Group 7.0 ratings in the WBG (mean = 6.3) than other stakeholder groups. International Monetary Fund 6.9 Parliament / legislative branch 6.7 Regional development banks 6.6 (e.g., African Development Bank) Private sector 6.5 Bilateral organizations (UK’s 6.4 FCDO, EU, JICA, USAID) Media 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Trust How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Seychelles? Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much (FY24 N=~65) 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “The Bank needs to have better coordination and quality assurance. Over the years we have seen wavering levels of coordination as well as quality of knowledge pieces from the Bank.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Key Performance Indicators Remain Moderate In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for the Effectiveness in helping 6.9 WBG’s effectiveness in helping Seychelles achieve Seychelles achieve results^^ 6.7 results. Other indicators remained unchanged and are relatively moderate (below 7 on a 10-point scale). Perceptions of the WBG’s contributions to poverty 6.5 Positive influence on shaping reduction in Seychelles are among the lowest development policy^ 6.2 compared to other indicators. 6.5 Relevant role in development 6.6 How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Seychelles? Q Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Alignment with development 6.5 FY24 The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Seychelles. Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree priorities FY20 6.5 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Seychelles. Scale: 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Seychelles. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Seychelles. Helps ending poverty in 5.5 Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Seychelles ^In FY20, the question was: “To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Seychelles? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating ^^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY20: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectiveness in Seychelles. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development results in Seychelles? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a 11 very significant degree Stakeholders from Effectiveness in helping 7.2 Seychelles achieve results* Government Institutions 6.0 Have More Positive Perceptions of the WBG Trust the WBG to do what is right for Seychelles 7.0 6.4 Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators between stakeholder groups show that respondents 6.9 Positive influence on shaping from government institutions have the highest ratings development policy* for the WBG work across all KPIs. In contrast, 5.3 respondents from non-government organizations gave significantly lower ratings, except for the trust in the WBG (which was statistically similar between the two Government groups). 6.8 Institutions Relevant role in development* 5.7 Non-government Organizations 6.8 *Significant Alignment with development difference between priorities* stakeholder groups 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions Comparing ratings of key performance indicators 7.6 among respondents highly familiar with the WBG Effectiveness in helping Seychelles 6.5 achieve results* (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with 6.6 little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10- point scale), one can see that the more familiar 7.4 Trust the WBG to do what is right for stakeholders are with the WBG, the more positive their 6.8 Seychelles perceptions of it and its work are. 6.5 7.4 Meaningful engagement and outreach can Relevant role in development* 6.2 continue to increase positive perceptions. 5.8 7.3 Positive influence on shaping 6.1 development policy* 6.0 7.0 Alignment with development 6.3 priorities* 6.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Seychelles. Scale: 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Mean Rating To what extent do you trust the WBG to do what is right? How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Seychelles? The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Seychelles? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Seychelles? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective *Significant difference between The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities levels of familiarity for Seychelles. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 13 Seychelles’ KPI Ratings are on Par with those of Other Countries in the Region, but Lower than those of Other IBRD Countries 7.0 Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.9 7.4 6.9 Effectiveness in helping Seychelles 7.0 achieve results Seychelles 7.2 6.5 Positive influence on shaping 6.9 Other Eastern development policy 7.1 and Southern Africa FY24 6.5 Relevant role in development 7.0 Other IBRD 7.1 FY24 6.5 Alignment with development 6.7 priorities 7.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY24 AFE countries: Burundi, Comoros, Lesotho, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Zambia Q FY24 IBRD countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Gulf 14 Cooperation Council Countries, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Paraguay, Poland, Tunisia, and Uruguay Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions had the highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to the eighteen COS indicator questions. In contrast, respondents from non-government organizations had significantly lower All Respondents 6.5 ratings. ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated indicator questions compared to respondents who do not Government Institutions* 6.7 collaborate with the WBG: Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 6.9 Do not collaborate = 6.3 Non-government Organizations 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions *Significant difference between stakeholder groups Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “To work on multi-dimensional poverty issues wherein pockets of poverty can be identified. And the reverse poverty transition issues can be also addressed.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Development Areas Climate change 48% for WBG Focus Health / Opioid substance abuse crisis 47% Education 46% Climate change and health were the top two priorities for the WBG’s focus emphasized by respondents this year, increasing Agriculture / food security 41% significantly from 19% and 15%, respectively, in FY20. The importance of digital infrastructure development varied Digital infrastructure development 40% significantly among stakeholder groups, with government institutions and private sector respondents placing particular Public sector governance 40% emphasis. Environment / natural resource 28% management Debt management 28% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Social protection 27% could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? Private sector development 23% “More visibility and adopt a multi-vulnerability index when allocating funds. We need investment in capacity building in Jobs 15% financial crime, money laundering investigations, judiciary, addressing drug abuse in Seychelles, addressing coastal Energy 15% erosion, support for women victims of domestic violence and child sexual abuse. All those social issues are brushed under Transport infrastructure 14% the carpet as we don't have the capacity to deal with them.” Urban development 8% (Government Institution Respondent) Water / sanitation 7% Gender equity 6% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Seychelles? (Select up to 5) 17 Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=124) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in macroeconomic stability and public sector governance received the highest effectiveness ratings. Respondents from non- government organizations gave WBG significantly lower ratings in gender equity, energy, public sector governance, macroeconomic stability, environment, and climate change than government respondents. Human Development Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth Gender equity 6.0 Macroeconomic stability 7.0 Health 5.9 Public sector governance 6.7 Social protection 5.9 Social inclusion 5.7 Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability Digital development 6.4 Environment / natural resource 6.1 management Water supply and sanitation 5.8 infrastructure Climate change 5.9 Energy / extractives 5.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Seychelles? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 18 19 World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground in Seychelles “WBG should work with local organizations to understand our local needs according to long - term goals.” (Academia Respondent) “Private sector engagements to better understand needs & support required, as the engine of the local economy.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) The WBG is Perceived as a Long-Term Partner Respondents perceived the WBG as a long-term partner to Being a long-term partner to Seychelles but reported modest ratings of the WBG’s staff 7.4 Seychelles accessibility. ▪ Respondents from non-government organizations provided significantly lower ratings than government Openness (sharing data and 6.7 respondents across most questions, except for the long- other information) term partnership. Flexibility when circumstances 6.5 change in Seychelles In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? “Establish more liaison and networking with key stakeholders.” (Government Principal Respondent) Responsiveness to needs in 6.5 Seychelles “Engage with the parliament more since we are law makers so that policies sink in a coherent way with laws and regulations.” (Government Principal Respondent) Access to WBG staff and 6.4 experts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Seychelles, in terms of each of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 20 The WBG is Seen as Effectively Collaborating with the National Government In FY24, respondents reported a high level of agreement that the National government 7.6 WBG collaborated effectively with the national government. However, collaboration with the private sector was perceived to be the least effective. Local government 6.6 ▪ Respondents from non-government organizations gave significantly lower ratings of the WBG’s collaboration with the Parliament / legislative branch 6.5 local government (mean = 5.7) than respondents from government institutions (mean=7.1). Other development partners (UK’s FCDO, EU, JICA, 6.2 USAID) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Civil society (e.g., NGOs, Seychelles? 6.1 CBOs) “- Engage in conversations with more specific groups that do not form part of the government. - Organize group discussions at regional levels to meet with Academia / research centers 6.1 locals and learn about the feelings of the people. Stop relying only on what government officials present.” (Civil Society Respondent) Private sector 6.0 “The WBG should work with the private sector (through the SCCI) and the civil society.” (Media Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Seychelles, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 More than Half of All Stakeholders Want the Bank to Collaborate More with the Private Sector In addition to the WBG’s partnership with the national government, more than half of respondents thought the WBG Private sector 52% should collaborate more with the private sector, followed by civil society. Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 45% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Local government 27% WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? “Engaged more with the civil society such as providing Parliament / legislative branch 23% relevant information on how they could support those organizations.” (Civil Society Respondent) Other donors and development 22% “We believe that fostering collaboration and leveraging partners additional support from other donors will significantly amplify the impact of our efforts. By pooling resources and expertise, we can collectively work towards improving the education Academia / research centers 16% system on a broader scale.” (Government Institution Respondent) Other 3% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following should the WBG collaborate Q with more to have a greater impact in Seychelles? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=116) 22 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Keep providing Seychelles with technical and financial support so that we continue to implement reforms and projects.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Financial Resources and Capacity Development Considered the Bank’s Greatest Values In FY24, half of the respondents considered financial Financial resources 53% resources and capacity development and training as the WBG’s greatest values to Seychelles, followed by technical assistance and implementation support. Capacity development and training 50% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Technical assistance and Seychelles? 37% implementation support “To address social ills in Seychelles, the World Bank could invest in community development and social programs. This includes funding initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, Knowledge and analytical products 22% improving education, and enhancing healthcare services. Offer support programs that provide job training and education to young people, which would help reduce Convening / bringing together unemployment and prevent crime. 12% different groups of stakeholders Invest in mental health services and substance abuse programs would address critical social issues and improve overall community well-being.” Mobilizing third party financial (Government Institution Respondent) 12% resources Other 1% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Seychelles? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=125) 24 The WBG is Seen as Insisting on Accountability through its Lending Regarding WBG’s financial instruments, respondents had the 7.7 The WBG insists on accountability highest levels of agreement that the WBG insists on through its lending accountability through its lending. Perceptions of the WBG's financial instruments meeting the needs of Seychelles have improved since FY20, though the increase is not statistically The WBG effectively monitors and 7.3 significant. evaluates the projects it supports in Seychelles • Notably, respondents from government institutions provided significantly higher ratings than other stakeholder groups The WBG’s Environmental and 6.9 regarding the WBG's financial instruments meeting the needs Social Framework requirements of Seychelles (mean = 7.2). are reasonable In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG 6.8 could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? The WBG’s financial instruments FY24 meet the needs of Seychelles 6.3 FY20 “Increase its technical ability on-site in Seychelles, especially in engineering fields and economic analysis; Make it easier to tap into technical resources for guidance; The conditions of the WBG’s 6.0 financing are competitive Improve the interest rates and grant allocation for financial compared to markets allocated to the country for utilities projects.” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (Government Institution Respondent) Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree. Q 25 4 in 10 Respondents Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; WBG Knowledge is Perceived as Bringing Global Expertise and Increasing Institutional Capacity The WBG brings global expertise to 7.5 41% of respondents had used the WBG’s Seychelles as part of its knowledge work 7.1 knowledge work. Respondents reported the highest levels of agreement regarding the WBG's contribution to bringing global expertise to Working with the WBG increases Seychelles’ 7.3 Seychelles and enhancing the country’s institutional institutional capacity capacity, with the former rating slightly improving. However, fewer respondents indicated familiarity I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 6.9 with accessing WBG’s knowledge products or knowledge work in Seychelles perceived them as contributing to development results in Seychelles. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 6.8 Seychelles’ context 6.4 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? FY24 Contribution of the WBG's knowledge to 6.6 “Capacity building among the Seychellois since the local development results in Seychelles 6.7 FY20 expertise is very scarce in all the areas.” (Private Sector Respondent) When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.0 knowledge work, I know how to find it Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q Respondents, N=117) To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Mean Rating How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in Seychelles? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant 26 ^Compared to "Are a source of relevant information on global good practices? " asked in FY20. 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Seychelles How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Increase awareness of the WBG’s projects and impact among key stakeholders, be more responsive, and build local capacity • More visibility/awareness of the Financial • More access to finance for Financial WBG’s work and its impact Support business Support Communication • Thorough information Operational 4% Effectiveness 26%* dissemination • Greater partnership with the media and the private sector • Tailor operations to the local Results Operational Communication context Effectiveness • More flexibility and responsive 6% Engagement • More collaboration with the Focus Area 22% private sector and civil society Results • Better monitoring and evaluation • Quality assurance 7% Engagement • More training/capacity building Focus Area • Education Knowledge Knowledge • Adapt and align with the • Agriculture 22% Seychelles’ economy and 14% • Governance/ anti-corruption development needs • Private sector development In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 28 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Communication Engagement “We know its existence, but we barely access it. As an individual advocate for single “Assist in the identification of entry points for the private sector and NGOs into mothers and vulnerable in society, we feel a lack of reach to the help provided in National development, particularly SDGs, the definition of mechanisms to be used, different areas.” (Civil Society Respondent) e.g. PPPs, co-management, privatization, and leveraging of appropriate resources and international partnerships to make this happen.” “Visibility and known to the general public.” (Local Government Respondent) (Civil Society Respondent) “The World Bank needs to have a permanent presence and set up an office in Seychelles and follow in real time the daily challenges that the country faces. Observe “During discussions with the government and other parties to ensure that projects directly and gather first-hand information and data for decision-making in regards to have an impact on the people and whatever is agreed should be with the intent to Seychelles as third-party data and information might be unreliable and biased. ” make people's lives better.” (Media Respondent) (Government Institution Respondent) “More collaboration with partners in Seychelles and more interaction with lower class people in the society.” (Local Government Respondent) Focus Area “Increase their budget on educational development, especially in small countries, where it requires technical persons for certain careers.” (Government Institution Respondent) Results “To improve capacity building in different areas, such: such as Tourism, Education, Fisheries, etc.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Post evaluation of project or programs.” (Government Principal Respondent) “Offer more training to Professionals in Seychelles, say, in the field of IT; Disaster “Giving further advice on policies and procedures, their implementation and preparedness, financial. I suggest maybe there is a link or website advertising such monitoring.” (Academia Respondent) short courses or even long-term ones, which are fully funded by the bank.” (Government Institution Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Q could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) 29 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Knowledge Operational Effectiveness “Perhaps it can be more intentional with the most important needs of the “Have better oversight over the local facilitators. Currently, the World Bank provides country. directly provide technical assistance and support where the funds, but most of the final outputs are censored by the local facilitators. There needed.” (Government Institution Respondent) have been numerous Issues where Consultants have been requested to change their findings so as to not portray the facilitators in a negative light. This has been a major “1. Support research in the social development sector to better under the issue for many fisheries-related projects where the Seychelles Fishing Authority has cultural context to assist review current social policies. requested consultants to modify reports. Consultants who have not agreed to modify 2. Build local capacity for programme development.” data to paint a rosy picture do not have their reports accepted and, as such, are (Government Institution Respondent) never paid, and the work is shelved. As such the actual findings of many reports are “Share statistic data with private sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) never seen, and only the findings that the SFA and other authorities want to be made public are shared. This practice will have major consequences on the sustainable “Improve coordination and knowledge sharing with partners as well as nationally development of the Seychelles Marine and fisheries sector.” relevant stakeholders. Access to reports compiled are not always public- but should be shared with bilateral and multilateral partners for insight and (Civil Society Respondent) collaborative solutions.” “The WBG should customize its assistance to align with the unique needs of (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Seychelles, considering its status as a small island developing state and the challenges related to its economic scale.” (Government Institution Respondent) “By becoming a better partner to the government and private sectors, in providing more support and solutions, thus meeting the country’s needs. That “Needs to adapt tools and procedures to Seychelles context. So many times when includes financial, technical assistance and training in order to prepare for future we say something needs to be changed, especially with the PPBB to suit all budget generations.” (Media Respondent) needs, we are told it's what the WB said, so we have to adapt it to our needs. It feels that WB provides a box and shapes triangle, rectangle, and circle has to find a way to fit in this box.” (Government Institution Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Q could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) 30 31 Communication and Outreach “More public awareness.” (Local Government Respondent) “Go out in public and share their programs of what they have discussed and agreed with Government for Seychelles through public, schools, universities sensitization .” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in Seychelles? (N=86) Events, Direct Contact, and e-Newsletters were the Most Preferred Methods for Receiving WBG Communication Preferred WBG Channel Government All Respondents Central Government Local Government Institutions Event / conference / seminar / workshop (in person or 62.6% 66.7% 58.6% 63.6% online) Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, 37.4% 38.1% 37.9% 18.2% email) e-Newsletters 32.2% 33.3% 34.5% 36.4% Social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) 21.7% 27.0% 10.3% 36.4% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) 17.4% 14.3% 24.1% 18.2% Other 3.5% 0.0% 3.4% 0.0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=115) 32 More than Half of the Respondents Recalled Information about WBG Recently, Most Often Through Television 57% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through television or newspapers. Television (TV) 52% Newspapers (print or online) 48% Direct contact with WBG staff 42% Event / conference / seminar (in 39% Do you recall person or online) No 43% seeing or hearing Radio 29% anything about the WBG Yes WBG websites 29% recently? 57% Social media 26% Direct messaging (e.g., 6% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Other 6% Blogs 6% e-Newsletters 2% Podcasts 2% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=118) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=66) 33 The WBG’s Work on Human Capital, Climate Change, and Debt Relief were the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Human capital (education, health) 45% Respondents most frequently recalled WBG work or research on human capital, climate change, and debt relief for Climate change 38% developing countries. Debt relief for developing countries 38% ▪ Respondents from broader civil society were Digital economy 31% significantly more likely to recall WBG’s work on food security (41%) and ending poverty in developing countries WBG economic forecasts 26% (59%) than respondents from other stakeholder groups. Ending poverty in developing 25% countries Youth development 25% Pandemic preparedness 22% Food security 18% Other 14% Job creation / employment 12% Women empowerment 12% Changes to the WBG financial and 9% operational model If you answered “Yes” for E2, what topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? Q (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=65) 34 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Coastal flooding and Increased Erosion of Shoreline A majority of respondents were very concerned about coastal flooding due to sea level rise and increased erosion of shoreline. Three-quarters of respondents also were very concerned about more frequent and severe floods. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 86% Increased erosion of shoreline 85% More frequent and severe floods 75% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 59% Decreased water availability / quality 57% Land and forest degradation 55% More frequent and severe heatwaves 55% More frequent and severe droughts 49% Extinction of plant / animal species 47% Loss of jobs 46% Air pollution 45% Climate-driven migration 31% More frequent and intense wildfires 25% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Seychelles? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~114) 35 36 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics Currently, do you Which of the World Bank (IBRD) 98% professionally following agencies collaborate/work with of the WBG do the WBG in Yes you primarily International Finance 32% Corporation (IFC) 15% Seychelles? (N=126) collaborate/work with in Seychelles? (N=40) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency 8% No (MIGA) 68% International Centre for Settlement of Investment 3% Disputes (ICSID) What’s your age? Which best represents your geographic (N=118) 36-45 35% location? (N=117) 46-55 28% Mahé 97% 56 and above 26% 26-35 8% Praslin 3% Prefer not to 3% specify Other islands 1% 25 or younger 1% 37 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2020 FY 2024 Government Principals: Office of the From April to June 2024, a total of 339 stakeholders of the WBG in Seychelles were President, Prime Minister, Minister, Office of 8% 9% invited to provide their opinions about the WBG’s work in the country by participating in a a Parliamentarian (National Assembly, COS. A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field Legislative body) agency. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister; Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation Office of a Parliamentarian (National Assembly, Legislative body); government institutions; Unit, Independent Government Institution, 40% 44% local governments; bilateral/ multilateral agencies; the private sector; civil society Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise organizations; academia; and the media. Local Government 11% 9% A total of 126 stakeholders participated in the survey (37% response rate). Respondents completed the via an online platform. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 7% 5% This year’s survey results were compared to the FY20 Survey, with a response rate of Bank, UN Agency 35% (N=107). Civil Society Organization: Local and regional NGOs, Community-Based Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time and Organization, Private Foundation, 11% 11% changes in respondent samples, methodology, and the survey instrument. To reduce the Professional/Trade Association, influence of the latter factor, only questions with similar response scales/options were Faith-Based Group, Youth Group analyzed. These differences in stakeholder composition between the two years should be Private Sector: Private Company, Financial considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Sector Organization, Private Bank, Small, 18% 10% Micro & Medium Enterprise Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted throughout the report. Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 3% 5% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Seychelles Media 4% 7% COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Total Number of Respondents* 104 126 What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q *Not all respondents provided information about their professional affiliation. Therefore, the total number of respondents listed in the table is lower than the N reported in the methodology. 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_4. How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Seychelles? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group (WBG) in helping Seychelles achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work makes to development results in Seychelles? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the WBG’s work in Seychelles? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Seychelles. A5. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Seychelles. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Seychelles A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty and reduce inequality in Seychelles. To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Seychelles, in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Seychelles To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Seychelles, in terms of collaborating with the following groups?: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. Collaboration with the National government C2_4. Collaboration with the private sector C2_5. Collaboration with civil society C2_6. Collaboration with other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments meet the needs of Seychelles (i.e., investment lending, Development Policy Loan, Trust Funds, Program-for-Results). C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Seychelles. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Seychelles’ context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org