Secretary of State – Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade

Mr Patrick Payet is a financial expert with over a decade of experience in the Ministry of Finance, and currently serving as the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade. Prior to taking over this role in April 2018, Mr Payet was previously the Principal Secretary for Finance from September 2013.Throughout his tenure in the Government from October 2006, Mr Payet spearheaded various financial planning initiatives, implemented effective fiscal policies, and successfully led his team through significant economic reforms with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other stakeholders like the World Bank and African Development Bank.

Mr Payet academic background with a Degree in Accounting and Finance, coupled with a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Strategy has equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive strategic decision making. He is a Chartered Accountant and a professional member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) in the UK.

Mr Payet is also on several boards and committees within Government and working with the private sector on several reforms initiatives which include the Chairperson of the AML/CFT committee. As the Chairperson of the AML/CFT Committee, Mr Payet played a pivotal role in implementing anti-money laundering and counter-financing terrorism reforms to ensure Seychelles’ compliance with FATF standards.

Furthermore, he has played a pivotal role in leading the Seychelles’ team to comply with the EU and OECD standards for cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Under his leadership, Mr Payet successfully secured funding for the First World Blue Bond, a groundbreaking initiative that garnered international acclaim for its innovative approach to sustainable financing.

Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach, Mr Payet is committed to driving positive change and fostering partnerships that benefit both the public and private sectors.

The following Divisions/ Units fall under the responsibility of the Secretary of State:

Human Resource & Budget Management Division

The Human Resource & Budget Management Division is responsible for supporting the Ministry’s people and resources to achieve its goals. We focus on building a skilled, motivated, and well-supported workforce while ensuring efficient use of resources.

HR Functions

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Workforce Planning & Development: Forecast future staffing needs and prepare plans to ensure the Ministry has the right people in the right roles.

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Recruitment & Onboarding: Attract, recruit, and integrate talented individuals into the Ministry.

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Training & Development: Provide learning opportunities to build skills, support professional growth, and close knowledge gaps.

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Performance Management: Set clear goals, evaluate performance fairly, and reward staff contributions.

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Employee Engagement & Well-being: Promote staff welfare, team spirit, recognition, and work–life balance initiatives.

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Succession Planning: Identify and prepare employees for future leadership and critical roles.

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Policy & Compliance: Ensure adherence to HR policies, legal requirements, and best practices.

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Health & Safety: Maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all staff.

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Budget & Resource Management: Manage HR budgets effectively, including staffing costs, training, and benefits.

The Division is headed by Ms. Mirose Boniface

Administration Division

The Administration Division plays a vital role in the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade because it interfaces with all departments within the Ministry and handles various administrative demands. The division ensures seamless services are rendered, and proper management and coordination of the Ministry’s operations and activities are maintained in terms of support services, aligned with planned activities and overall strategies.

Functions of the Administration Division

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General office management, including housekeeping

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Asset Management

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Transport Management

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Security and Safety Management

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Inventory Management

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Project Management

The Division is headed by Mrs. Roma Edmond

Accounts Section

The Accounts Section is responsible for overseeing and managing all financial transactions within the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade (MOFNPT), as well as administering the national budget. Our primary role is to ensure that public funds are used responsibly, efficiently, and in compliance with financial regulations. Key responsibilities include budget management, payment processing, expenditure control, procurement verification, asset coordination, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. By maintaining accurate records and providing timely reporting, the Accounts Section upholds transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline across government operations.

Functions

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Manage MOFNPT’s Internal Budget: Provide financial oversight for all departments, divisions, units, committees, and commissions under the Ministry, ensuring that funds are allocated properly and used efficiently in line with priorities. Payments are processed within the required timeframe.

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Manage the National Budget: Process payments and monitor expenditures on behalf of MDAs. Ensure that all disbursements comply with financial regulations and are processed in a timely, transparent, and accountable manner.

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Expenditure Control & Financial Compliance: Verify and approve all financial documents including requisition forms, purchase orders, invoices, and payment vouchers. Ensure adherence to financial procedures and the relevant Act.

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Budget Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor spending against allocated budgets and provide timely reports to senior management.

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Support to Programmes & Departments: Work closely with Heads of Programme and administrative officers to guide financial processes such as procurement planning, virements, and early release of funds.

The section is headed by Mrs. Lindy Rideau

Public Relations and Communication Office

Mandate of the Communications Officer

The mandate of the Communications Officer is to organise and oversee strategic communications, public information, stakeholder engagement and portfolio-level knowledge management activities for the Ministry portfolio. The role ensures consistent, timely and accurate messaging on fiscal policy, budgetary decisions, national planning initiatives and trade matters to internal and external audiences, strengthens the Ministry’s reputation, and supports government transparency and stakeholder confidence.

Functions

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Plan, develop and implement a Public Relations and Communication strategy for the Ministry.

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Develop and implement a Ministry-wide communications strategy aligned to policy priorities, reform programmes and the Government’s communication objectives.

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Work closely with agencies within the Ministry’s portfolio to ensure consistency of their communications in line with the Ministry’s Vision and Strategy.

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Lead public and media relations: draft and coordinate press releases, statements, briefings, talking points and media responses; cultivate relationships with national/international media and spokespersons.

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Oversee internal communications to ensure employees are informed, engaged and aligned with policy direction and institutional priorities.

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Manage digital and social media presence: direct website content, social platforms, multimedia production, and analytics to increase reach, transparency and engagement.

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Coordinate communications across the Ministry’s portfolio agencies, programs and projects to ensure coherence and timely dissemination of information.

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Provide communications input to policy development processes, ensuring complex technical material is translated into clear, accessible messaging for varied audiences.

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Lead crisis and issues communications: design protocols, advise senior leadership, prepare rapid-response messaging and media management during sensitive events.

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Direct production of publications and knowledge products (budgets, reports, briefing notes, speeches, policy briefs, annual reports) ensuring accuracy, accessibility and quality.

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Mentor and develop staff within the Ministry to be confident while undertaking interviews.

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Monitor and evaluate communications activities (reach, sentiment, media coverage, stakeholder feedback) and produce regular performance reports to senior management.

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Ensure compliance with government information laws, branding guidelines and confidentiality requirements.

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Work with Public Relations officers in other portfolios to ensure communications align with budget announcements and the National Development Strategy.

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Any other duties as may be assigned.

The Office is headed by Ms. Lindy Vital.

Information Technology Unit

The IT Unit of the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade serves as a key enabler of efficiency, innovation, and security across the Ministry. Its focus is on delivering reliable, user-friendly ICT services through a strengthened support system and enhancing business continuity with a robust disaster recovery strategy.

The IT Unit is responsible for driving the Ministry’s digitalization plan.

The Division is headed by Mr. Darney Barbé