Seychelles launches golden Jubilee Lottery to mark 50 years of independence 

The special lottery programme will run through December as the island nation marks 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom. 

Seychelles.- The Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles announced that the first draw of the country’s Golden Jubilee Lottery will take place on June 29, with a plot of land among the prizes on offer as Seychelles marks 50 years of independence from the United Kingdom. 

Seychelles officially launched the 50th Golden Jubilee Lottery during the opening of the National Day Celebrations 2026 under the theme “Nou Pep, Nou Lidantite, Nou Desten” (Our People, Our Identity, Our Destiny), with Vice-President Sebastien Pillay among those attending the ceremony marking the start of the nation’s countdown to the 50th anniversary of Independence, according to the announcement published by State House. 

The event also featured the unveiling of the official National Day theme song, Selebre Seselwa, which will feature throughout the Golden Jubilee celebrations. 

Addressing attendees, Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein said the launch represented an important step in preparations for Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations. 

Bernstein said: “Tonight marks a very special moment in the journey towards our 50th Jubilee Independence Celebrations. As we gather here for the official launching of the National Day Theme Song and the Jubilee Lottery, we are not simply unveiling a song or a fundraising initiative. We are launching symbols of national unity, pride and participation as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of Seychellois independence.”

Bernstein added that the Golden Jubilee is not only a celebration of the nation’s history, but also of the resilience, determination and achievements of the Seychellois people over the past five decades. 

Lottery draws run through December 

Penny Belmont, a representative of the organisers, said participants will have the opportunity to win prizes through a series of lottery draws running from June to December. Prizes include a plot of land, hotel accommodation packages and a range of other attractive rewards. 

Belmont said the inaugural draw is scheduled for June 29. Following the June draw, there will be a short break during July and August before the lottery resumes and continues with monthly draws until December. 

The lottery will provide participants with multiple opportunities throughout the year to win valuable prizes, with further details on the various draws and rewards to be announced in due course. 

Bernstein also expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners whose support has contributed to preparations for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, noting that national milestones of such significance can only be achieved through strong collaboration between government, businesses, organisations and the wider community.